Alton J. Shevlin was born in Rockford, and moved to Champaign‐Urbana to go to school at the University of Illinois. He graduated in 1998 with with a concentration in English Literature and Minor in African American Studies. He become a tutor‐counselor for the University of Illinois Upward Bound program in summer of 1998. He then became a teacher assistant at Canaan Academy for two years working with kindergarten and first grade classes. He then became detention officer for the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center. In 2007 he began working for the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission. He now works as an Intake Coordinator for the Court Diversion program. The program offers a station adjustment opportunity, which is a probation program and a way for the youth to be accountable for their actions but without going to juvenile court. Heʹs also a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc, married to a doctor and the father of two beautiful girls.

Alton was featured in Difference Makers 2010: An eBlack Champaign-Urbana Publication.