Bivian Lee III, better known as Sonny, is one of the busiest men in New Orleans — and in some ways, he could be called a father figure for the city.
His organization, Son of a Saint, founded in 2011, supports fatherless boys in New Orleans through mentorship and other resources, inspired by Lee’s own experience of losing his father, New Orleans Saint player Bivian Lee Jr., in 1984 at a young age.
What fuels his work today can be found in the lessons of his own youth.
“My mom did a great job when I was younger of ensuring that my sister [Tamica] and I volunteered often, whether it was through church, community events or simply helping people who needed an extra hand,” says Sonny.
“I also had people who poured into me throughout my upbringing, and I’ve always felt a responsibility to pay that forward,” adds Sonny. “For me, that means giving back to the youth — because I know firsthand how life-changing it is when someone shows up for you, believes in you and invests in your future.”
Sonny, before he founded Son of a Saint, was director of operations for the New Orleans Zephyrs, chief aide to New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson and director of programs for the New Orleans Jazz Institute.
But something was missing: Son of a Saint.
“I’m deeply proud that I chose to take action and start Son of a Saint,” Sonny says. “I could have easily just sat back, talked about the problems facing our boys, and done nothing.
“Instead, by stepping forward, we’ve been able to impact thousands of lives in our community. That decision not only changed the lives of our boys, it shaped me as a leader and allowed me to grow into the nonprofit founder and CEO I am today.”
Sonny says the organization is his life’s work.
“It’s rooted in my personal story and built on the belief that when you provide structure, consistent positive guidance and a true sense of belonging, great outcomes naturally follow, he says. “The organization started in a small room with just a few boys and today, it’s a movement that continues to grow and transform lives.”
Right now, the organization is “deeply focused on the sustainability and long-term future of Son of a Saint,” says Sonny.
One major initiative is building a New Orleans East campus.
“Since 40% of our boys live in that community, this campus will give us the capacity to grow and serve several hundred more boys in our program,” he notes.
Sonny is also committed to growing the organization’s endowment, “which is essential for long-term stability,” he says.
“My goal is to ensure that Son of a Saint is here well beyond me, that any boy growing up without his father will always have a place to turn to for support, structure, and opportunity, no matter what generation he comes from.”
Sonny, married to Rosie Lee, is the father of their sons Biv, Bivian Lee IV and Tenzin Lee, and he considers his proudest accomplishment to be creating a loving, safe environment for his family — ensuring they are surrounded by joy, purpose and support, a priority that will always come first for him.
And the values that guide him as a father also guide him as a leader.
“Giving back isn’t optional for me, it’s part of my identity and responsibility. I believe when you’re blessed with opportunity, you have an obligation to turn around and lift someone else,” says Sonny.
“Our city thrives when we take care of each other,” he adds.
True Confession
I once flew with the Blue Angels, the Navy’s elite flight team. We went through all their maneuvers, and it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
Son of a Saint: sonofasaint.org
