Personal transformation is an essential journey for every individual. It enables one to discover their most authentic selves, heal from past traumas, and embrace their purpose in life. This process guides people toward fulfillment and inner peace. Many turn to the arts, particularly music, to propel this transformation. After all, music can touch the soul, lift the spirit, and unite diverse communities.
Debra Bonner has dedicated her life to catalyzing personal transformation through music and vocal training. She has brought hope, healing, joy, and love to countless individuals by unifying mankind through gospel music. Motivated to extend her impact, she founded the Unity Gospel Choir International (UGCI).
Her journey in establishing UGCI stems from experiences and the massive impact gospel music had on her life. Growing up, she faced numerous challenges, such as being labeled as a special education student, given her struggles with reading. Through gospel music, she found a voice, both literally and figuratively.
At 13, Debra discovered the power of gospel music. A church community embraced her and helped her learn to read by singing hymns. This experience sparked her passion for music and gave her a sense of self-worth and purpose. From being illiterate, Debra achieved academic success, graduating from high school and Kentucky State University with Honors, and earning a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Michigan.
Committed to the craft, Debra studied under world-renowned vocal pedagogues. During this time, she also developed an immense desire to give back to others, especially those like her who were searching for their true voices. Since then, she has dedicated herself to sharing the transformative power of music with others.
The organization mirrors its founder’s mission. UGCI offers programs centered on unifying people through gospel music. It serves as a safe, inclusive space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can sing, dance, act, and find their genuine selves together. “The most rewarding aspect of my work with UGCI is seeing the changes that occur in the lives of the people we touch. We’ve witnessed mothers rediscover their sense of self, youth gain confidence, and individuals suffering from addiction turn their lives around. For us, these transformations are nothing short of miraculous,” Debra passionately shares.
The compassionate woman established the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir (DBUGC), the flagship choir of UGCI, in 2014. It served as the manifestation of her vision. The choir is a diverse assembly of individuals from various races, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and religions, all united by their love of gospel music. Participants of DBUGC find their authentic voices and develop a better understanding of themselves and others.
The DBUGC has celebrated significant milestones since its inception. It participated in the 100th National Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in San Antonio, Texas. The choir’s performance at this historic event was met with overwhelming acclaim. The chairman of the NAACP himself expressed admiration for the choir’s talent and spirit. The choir also appeared at Brigham Young University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration and the 50th anniversary of the Genesis Group. These performances have solidified the DBUGC’s reputation in bridging communities and promoting unity.
Several factors contribute to DBUGC’s success, but nothing is as pivotal as Debra’s investment in the choir and her genuine care for its members. Her authentic approach to teaching and leadership sets her apart. Moreover, her influence as the matriarch of the Bonner family, a renowned musical family whose members have themselves been transformed through singing, makes her further stand out. The values she instilled in her family, such as loyalty, love for their fellow man, diligence, humility, a strong sense of community, and a belief that anything is possible are all reflected in the DBUGC.
Debra Bonner shares her plans for expanding the reach of the Unity Gospel Choir International. She’s preparing to launch “Your True Voice: A Superior Online Vocal Training Program” to help individuals develop their voices and find their authentic selves. This program complements “Choir in a Box,” another initiative allowing more people to experience the profound impact of gospel music.
“Transformation is about guiding individuals to discover their true, best selves—a place of peace, free from negative emotions,” the founder emphasizes. “It’s in this state that they can truly listen, either through their own inner voice or, for those who believe, to the spirit of God. People can discover their life’s purpose and understand what they’re meant to do in this world by shedding layers of negativity, trauma, and depression. Our organization aims to help our brothers and sisters discover their true voice and realize their dreams.”
Media Contact
Name: Debra Bonner
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