52 Faces of Community: Bonita Simmons
By Holly Desrosier
Bonita Simmons is no stranger to the spotlight. She has been performing as an independent gospel artist since her childhood and has given performances on several prestigious stages. However, she has also used her platform as an outreach ministry to help others in need, namely incarcerated women who are looking to turn their lives around.
Bonita was born in Stamford, Connecticut, but was raised in Kinston. Her parents were from the area and wanted to raise her in the south, so they moved back down when she was about 3. Her father was a preacher, so she began singing in church at a young age and performed for a variety of community events while growing up.