Ben Carson’s Family, Children, and Closest Friends: Everything You Need to Know

Ben Carson is well-known for his work as a neurosurgeon and author, but his personal story is tied to his family and the importance of relationships and friends throughout his life. He once said, “If you can read, you can do anything,” emphasizing the role of family in education and growth.

Family Life and Children

Ben Carson grew up in Detroit, Michigan, raised by his mother Sonya and older brother Curtis. His mother worked multiple jobs to support the family after she and Ben’s father separated.

He married Lacena “Candy” Rustin in 1975. They met while studying at Yale University in the early 1970s. Candy Carson is a musician and author, and she has often worked alongside Ben on community projects.

The couple married while they were both still quite young. Together, Ben and Candy raised three sons — Murray, Benjamin Jr., and Rhoeyce. All three children are biological. The Carsons’ strong family ties shaped much of Ben’s motivation and character.

Their family has become known for supporting one another, with both Candy and their children appearing at public events and in interviews. The Carsons have managed to maintain their family life through years filled with Ben’s medical and political commitments.

Name	Relation	Birth Year
Sonya Carson	Mother	1928
Curtis Carson	Brother	1953
Lacena “Candy” Carson	Wife	1953
Murray Carson	Son	Unknown
Benjamin Carson Jr.	Son	Unknown
Rhoeyce Carson	Son	Unknown

Friends throughout the Years

Ben Carson has kept close friendships since his days at Yale and Johns Hopkins. Many of these friends also come from medical backgrounds. His friendship with Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa began at Johns Hopkins, where they worked together.

Other friends include Dr. Keith Black, a prominent neurosurgeon, and various colleagues from his political and hospital circles. These relationships were built through shared experiences in challenging environments and a common interest in medicine and public service.

Some friendships began with mentors who helped guide Carson as he started his medical career. Others developed during his public and political work.

The friendships in his life have provided support during trying times, both professionally and personally. There are no reported major falling outs or publicized endings to these friendships.

Name	Known Since	Profession
Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa	1990s	Neurosurgeon
Dr. Keith Black	1980s	Neurosurgeon