September 18: Birthday of Dr. Ben Carson (1951)
Prayer Idea
Pray for parents who are teaching their children the importance of learning.
History Note
Benjamin Carson was born in Detroit, Michigan. As he grew up, he feared that he might die young like many of the young men around him.
Though his mother, Sonya, only had a third grade education, she taught Ben and his brother, Curtis, the importance of learning. She limited their TV time and required them to read two library books each week. This helped Ben improve his performance in school. When he graduated from high school, he was able to attend Yale University.
Ben Carson became a neurosurgeon who helped to improve medical care for conjoined twins and people who suffered from epilepsy. He also became a professor at Johns Hopkins University Medical School.
Dr. Carson and his wife, Candy, wrote several books together, including America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great. Dr. Carson ran for president in the 2016 campaign and served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Donald Trump.
After Sonya Carson died in 2017, Dr. Carson said, “She was one of God’s greatest blessings to me, and it was her foresight and discernment that pushed me to reach my dreams.”
President George W. Bush presented Dr. Benjamin Carson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008. White House photo by David Bohrer.
Learn More
Dr. and Mrs. Carson established the Carson Scholars Fund to encourage academic excellence, community service, and a love of reading. In this video, Dr. Carson explains his motivation.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
