In January 2007, I spoke at Bethune-Cookman University for their 1st Annual Communications & Theatre Arts Conference, sharing from Transition while addressing the theme “Linking Experiences with Opportunities.”

Here’s what people had to say:

“Allen Paul Weaver III gave an outstanding presentation during our 1st Annual Department of Speech Communication & Theatre Arts Conference. Indeed, he captivated students, faculty, staff, and invited guests with vivid and memorable experiences and opportunities during the plenary session. Certainly, we will always cherish his valuable impact through his message as well as impressive interaction with the audience. Our department purchased thirty copies of Transition for our graduating Communication students.”

Kekeli K. Nuviadenu, Ph.D., Chair/Assistant Professor, Speech Communication & Theatre Arts, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida, January 2008

“Mr. Weaver was my favorite guest speaker at the conference. His message was very inspirational, relevant, and touching. I could relate with him because he was a speech communication major at Bethune-Cookman University and has done great things in his life. He gave me more direction as to what I would like to do after graduation.”

Desarae W., Alumni, Class of 2007, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida, January 2008

“Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! I give him 5 stars. Mr. Weaver’s presentation was encouraging, a learning exploration, and a blessing all at the same time. It was great to see an alumni who has made it and is successful.”

Ashley C., Alumni, Class of 2007, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida, January 2008

“Very inspirational. Passionate. Motivational and his words brought a change to my life. He encouraged me to believe in myself and the faith I had in God.”

Sharlee P., Alumni, Class of 2007, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida, January 2008

Here’s what others are saying about Transition:

“Allen Paul Weaver III speaks in clear and raw terms in his book, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers. He boldly shares, with the reader, his quest to unearth the significance God has placed within his own soul; with the hope that we will be motivated to search out the destiny that is laid up for each of us. Any collection of writings which span a decade is an impressive feat. Transition is a quality work and recommended reading for any man who is serious about pressing through their internal and external opposition that stands between them and their God-given dreams.” Hajj Fleming, Author of The Brand Yu Life, Canton, Michigan, June 24, 2008

“I am grateful for the life that is Allen Paul Weaver, III. I am grateful to God for the word within him that was breathed to life in the pages of Transition. I am grateful for the encouragement and inspiration I receive each time I read a piece in Transition, each one speaking to a different life situation I have or will encounter. I am grateful that I own a literary work that speaks to the struggles, heartaches, joys and triumphs of young people to share with my children and my children’s children.

What a tragedy it would have been if Allen Paul Weaver, III had remained captive to rage, self-hatred, low self-esteem, and pain. Glory to God, we have been blessed by his transition from old to new, and his willingness to be transparent with readers for the sake of our growth and development in Christ. His life, as shared through the amazingly authentic poetry and prose in Transition, is a testimony of the redemption, deliverance, and victory made possible only through relationship with Jesus Christ. In this timeless anthology, Allen not only shares the struggles and triumphs of his own personal journey to maturity in Christ and adulthood, but also weighs in on major societal ills including racism, sexism, and economic disparity. Though written from the vantage point of a young man, as a woman, I never felt like an outsider reading. In fact, there are pieces in Transition, including “Truth Be Told” and “Unknown Fear” that resonate so deeply in my spirit; It is as if Allen took the feelings etched in my heart and gave them voice.

Transition is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, mentors, and youth group leaders interested in developing whole and healthy young people who are ready to walk in their individual and collective purpose in Christ. Transition speaks to the struggles of identity common to young men and women alongside the revelation of the “high calling of God” that we each have access to through Jesus Christ. The reflection questions in the Appendix are extremely useful and make it possible to use Allen’s poetry as a vehicle for engaging young people in discussions that will open their eyes to the promising possibilities that lie ahead.”

Donna Olivia Powell - Artist and Educator, Madison, New Jersey, January 2008

“Breaking through barriers in our lives means recognizing that change is needed and possible; without it, we lend ourselves to remain in bondage. In Allen Paul Weaver III’s book, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers, he writes about those hidden struggles, thoughts and uncertainties that tend to throw us off kilter when searching for our true purpose. In the book, Allen exposes himself in a ten-year journey to self-discovery. This self-discovery came with a price: a suicide attempt, unrealistic images of self and other life struggles that are candidly composed in an anthology of short stories, poems and essays.

Weaver captivates his audience with the thought-provoking poem entitled, “Slavery” that speaks about the self-inflected “psychological chains” that weigh us down in life, but his passionate poem, “When You Can Fly,” mesmerizes the heart to encourage the weary, lonely and rejected. It is here that Weaver writes about topical subjects with every individual in mind.

Weaver’s prolific writing is displayed as soft whispers of prayers shining down to encourage all readers and he does this by challenging and holding the reader accountable for the decisions we make and the ones we are pondering. Weaver’s book clearly sets the reader on track to make a choice to transition, one step at a time, to see ourselves as God sees us and to Weaver, this is where true freedom begins.”

Tisha Y. Lewis - Manager, PR Services, National Newspaper Publishers Association Washington D.C., January 2008

“I am praying my way through your book…again. It certainly speaks to every aspect of life. I usually don’t read the dedications, introductions and author’s notes in books, but in yours I have. I will continue to send updates and thoughts as I further my reading with an intention to applying it to my own life. Thanks for writing this book. When it comes time to write my story, I’ll ask the penetrating questions that inspired you to write yours.”

Stevey Williams - Student, Liberty University, Virginia, December 2007

“Allen’s writing paints such a vivid picture and draws you right into the story. The Grand Experiment, a short story from his book, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers is such an intriguing tale; it leaves you wanting more.”

Allison Younger - Corporate Communications Manager, American Bible Society, New York, November 2007

“I personally loved Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers. It was interesting how some of the passages reminded me of myself and even my husband Richard. The book, to me was pure and honest thoughts of issues and situations that occurred in the writer’s life. Though some of the passages may have been uncomfortable to him he still expressed them, I feel, because someone reading the book could possibly relate to the situation. It gave me insight not only for myself but of the writer too. I just totally embraced what the writer had to say and I am very pleased with what the book allowed my mind and my emotions to experience. This book is well worth reading.”

Tamia O’Neal - Executive Asst., Community Development Corp, New Jersey, November 2007

“I’m enjoying your anthology, Transtion: Breaking Through the Barriers. I take it a dose at a time. It’s not one of those books that you can just rush through; there is so much information and insight in many of the pieces. Also, a few of us were just viewing your website and your Youtube entries. Is there any thing else you’re not telling us? It’s all amazing!”

Sheree Williams - Evangelist, New York, May 2007

“Transitions is on the literary and prophetic cutting edge, “for such a time as this. ” I commend Allen P. Weaver, III for articulating the human predicament with such precision, hope and therapeudic. I esteem and recommend this book to the highest degree. To God be all the glory!”

-J. G. McCann, Sr. - Pastor, St. Luke Baptist Church, Harlem NY, February 2007

Allen Weaver’s autobiographical anthology is a challenging read. It is not a piece of literature you read from cover-to-cover and just call it a day. Allen caused me to ponder his revelations and the depths from which they were freed. He gave me permission to peer into those components hidden beneath protective layers that encapsulated him until now. He dares to take a leap of faith and bare his soul to us, his readers, in spite of his former low self-worth opinion. Allen’s lyrical style is quite different from most biographical writings, incorporating a variety of styles to each piece.”

-Carol Washington, New York, November 2006

“No matter who you are or how old you are, you need to read this book!”

-Barbara Scott - Owner, Put God First Enterprises, Mt. Vernon NY, July 2006

“This book is a must read for every Black man.”

-Dr. Betty Spencer, Co-editor of Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers, New York, March 2006

“This book will help a lot of people. Every page deals with a different topic. It’s like a prescription for your life!”

- Al’s Barber Shop Owner, New Rochelle NY, August 2006

“A Revolutionary Breakthrough in expressing one’s inner struggles! The title is exactly what it is. This book will bridge the gap between the thoughts and the reality of our inner city youth, particularly minority males - as they Transition from males to men… and all stages in between.”

- Deacon Lovell Williams - Superintendent of Sunday School, Thessalonia Worship Center, Bronx NY, October 2006

“Transition gives great insight. Allen performed the wedding ceremony for my husband and I in 2005. I was excited to hear about -and read- Transition. My favorite parts were the chapters on ‘Steven’ and ‘Don’t Judge Me Until…’ Allen has an easy writing style that allows the reader to instantly connect with the subject matter. Many parts are very personal and raw at times, taking us out of our comfort zone with the realization that even those who are abundantly blessed are still challenged with emotional and painful trials and tribulations. Allen ‘transitions’ beautifully thorugh them, the poetry and the short stories, leaving us empowered if not a little more spiritually grounded!”

- Donna Jackson - Creative Director, Triple Hill Arts Initiative, Mt. Vernon NY, August 2006