Sonny Von Cleveland

Sonny Von Cleveland stands as a beacon of transformation and empowerment, leveraging his own harrowing journey from sexual abuse and incarceration to ignite healing and inspiration in others. Renowned as the author of 'Hey White Boy, Conversations of Redemption,' he delves into the depths of resilience and redemption with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply with his audience.

An ardent anti-bullying advocate, Sonny collaborates with Boo2Bullying, a prominent organization dedicated to youth development and suicide prevention. His impact extends to the most vulnerable, serving as a mentor for disenfranchised youth within Southern California's juvenile facilities. As a member of the advisory committee for the Riverside County Probation Department Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, Sonny actively contributes to reshaping systems to better support and uplift young individuals, aiming to prevent juvenile delinquency before it takes root.

Additionally, Sonny is the visionary behind The Von Cleveland Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering marginalized and formerly incarcerated individuals, illuminating pathways to success in a world too often marred by obstacles and restricted opportunities. The foundation's impactful endeavors have garnered prestigious accolades, including a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congress, Certificates of Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, the State of California Senate, and the California Legislative Assembly. Furthermore, The Von Cleveland Foundation has been honored with the Rising Star Award from both the City of Rancho Mirage and the County of Riverside Board of Supervisors, underscoring its profound impact and commitment to fostering positive change within communities.

Sonny's dedication to catalyzing positive change extends further through his involvement with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition in Los Angeles, where he advocates for re-entry coaching and activism. Recognized for his profound influence, Sonny was honored as Palm Springs Person of the Year in 2023 by The Palm Springs Post and received the esteemed Community Catalyst Award from We are One United, underscoring his tireless efforts in driving meaningful transformation within communities.