About Tony Shavers III

Hi, I'm

Tony

I am a #1 Best-Selling Author of the self-help book Is Your Dream Really Worth It? and a Top 10 Finalist of the Author Academy Award. My life is a journey of self-discovery and reflects my commitment as a personal development coach to helping others find success within their identity.


At a young age, I discovered a gift for making a difference in people's lives as a voice for those who felt silenced. I found power in words and actions and knew I needed to share it with the world.

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Collage of writers for Making My Story Matter

I also founded #MyStoryMatters, a writing program dedicated to teaching aspiring authors how to find their voice, write their story and share them with the world.

A hand-drawn graphic of a trophy labeled with justice scales for Community Justice Award.

In 2015, I received the Community Justice Award from Community Works West for exceptional dedication to supporting children of incarcerated parents and my continued commitment to making higher education accessible to youth everywhere.

Here Are My Truths

Hand-drawn graphic of paper with writing and photograph of Tony Shavers III as a small child.

Rescued Through a Gift

In the fourth grade, I discovered my creative writing as a gift and necessity for survival. My first poem about farm animals and global warming began with the foretelling introduction - I am a chicken, and I will not hatch. I truly believe writing is my god-given talent, and I'm so thankful for the gift. 

Hand-drawn graphic of layered hands representing the influence of family history.

Constrained by An Adverse Legacy

For almost ten years, I battled being named after my formerly incarcerated father. I thought being named after him meant my journey in life would mirror his. Fortunately, I found meaning and strength deep within my identity that put the constraint of those self-limiting ideas behind me.

Hand-drawn graphic  with a phonograph record of Tony Shavers III poetry album

Inspired to Speak The Truth

My first poetry album, called the Undeniable Truth, is a collection of poems inspired by what I saw and heard through the first 19 years growing up in the inner city as a young black man. It was my platform to share with the world a perspective that I believe others needed to hear.

Photograph of Tony Shavers III and a group of colleagues holding an award.

Driven to Make a Difference

During my early 20s and with colleagues at a National Rental Car Agency, we garnered the support to start the Community Works West Project WHAT Scholarship Fund that provided financial assistance to high school seniors entering college.

Photography of Tony Shavers III, smiling and looking at his partner.

Black, Gay and Proud

Growing up, I also struggled to accept my sexuality. For so long, I suppressed the thoughts, and it caused me to spiral into a world of depression! I finally had my breaking point at 25 and accepted myself for who I am. Now, four years later, I'm in a loving and healthy relationship with my fiancé!


My Dream Is Worth It.  And,

I Look Forward to Help You Pursue Yours!

Tony Shavers III, cheerfully smiling while sitting on a stool

I'm here to help you create the future you desire.


Let's get started!

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