Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. is a retired American neurosurgeon who achieved renown for his pioneering work in the medical field. Notably, he held the position of 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021. In 2016, he launched a bid for the presidency as a Republican candidate. Carson is widely recognized as a prominent figure among Black conservatives in the United States.
1914: Birth of Robert Solomon Carson Jr.
Ben Carson's father, Robert Solomon Carson Jr., was born in 1914.
1928: Birth of Sonya Carson
Ben Carson's mother, Sonya Carson, was born in 1928.
1949: Birth of Curtis Carson
Ben Carson's older brother, Curtis, was born in 1949.
1950: The Carson Family Moves to a New Home in Detroit
In 1950, Ben Carson's parents purchased a new house in the Boynton neighborhood of southwest Detroit.
September 18, 1951: Ben Carson's Birth
Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. was born on September 18, 1951.
1956: Ben Carson Begins Education
Ben Carson's education began in 1956 when he attended kindergarten at the Fisher School in Detroit.
1959: The Carson Family Separates
When Ben Carson was eight years old, his parents separated in 1959. Following this, he moved with his mother and brother to live with his aunt and uncle in Boston for two years.
1961: Ben Carson Returns to Detroit
At the age of 10, in 1961, Ben Carson moved back to southwest Detroit with his mother and brother. They resided in a multi-family home in a primarily white neighborhood.
1965: Ben Carson Moves Back to Deacon Street
In 1965, at the age of 13, Ben Carson, along with his mother and brother, returned to their house on Deacon Street in Detroit.
1968: Race Riot at Ben Carson's High School
A race riot broke out at Ben Carson's high school in 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
1969: Vietnam War Draft Lottery
Ben Carson's brother received a low draft number in the 1969 lottery, leading him to enlist in the Navy for four years.
1971: Ben Carson Meets Future Wife at Yale
In 1971, Ben Carson met Lacena 'Candy' Rustin, who would later become his wife, while they were both students at Yale University.
1972: Voting for George McGovern
Reflecting his anti-war sentiments, Carson voted for George McGovern, the anti-war Democratic presidential candidate, in 1972.
1973: Graduation from Yale University
In 1973, Ben Carson graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. While his grades were not at the very top of his class, he performed respectably.
1973: Entering University of Michigan Medical School
Carson began his medical studies at the University of Michigan Medical School in 1973.
1975: Ben Carson Marries Candy Rustin
In 1975, Ben Carson married Lacena 'Candy' Rustin, whom he met while they were students at Yale University.
1977: Graduating from University of Michigan Medical School
Ben Carson excelled in his final years of medical school, graduating with an M.D. degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1977. He was also elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, a testament to his academic achievements.
1983: Completing Neurosurgery Residency
Carson finished his five-year neurosurgery residency at Johns Hopkins, serving his final year as chief resident.
1984: Neurosurgery Position in Australia
After his residency, Carson took on the role of Senior Registrar in neurosurgery at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands, Western Australia, for a year.
1984: Ben Carson Becomes Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery
At the age of 33, Ben Carson became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in 1984, making him the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the United States at that time.
1984: Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins
In 1984, upon returning to Johns Hopkins, Carson was appointed as the director of pediatric neurosurgery. His areas of expertise included a wide range of neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, tumors, congenital disorders, and epilepsy.
1987: Ben Carson Leads Successful Separation of Conjoined Twins
In 1987, Ben Carson gained significant recognition for leading a team of surgeons in the first successful separation of conjoined twins who were joined at the back of the head. While the surgery was a success, the twins continued to face neurological and medical challenges.
1987: Separation of the Binder Twins
In 1987, Carson led a surgical team of 70 in separating conjoined twins Patrick and Benjamin Binder. While the surgery, separating twins joined at the back of the head, was considered groundbreaking, the twins experienced significant health challenges later in life. Patrick Binder later passed away.
1988: Carson Family Moves to West Friendship, Maryland
In 1988, Ben Carson and his wife, Candy, moved to West Friendship, Maryland, where they raised their three sons.
1988: Detroit Free Press Article
In 1988, the Detroit Free Press published an article that was republished in November 2015 to clarify claims about Carson's past.
1990: Carson Adopts a Primarily Vegetarian Lifestyle
Motivated by health concerns and ethical considerations, Ben Carson transitioned to a largely vegetarian diet in 1990. He expressed his belief in the environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption and predicted a future where meat consumption would decline significantly.
September 1992: Opposition to Maryland Question 6
Carson appeared in an advertisement opposing Maryland Question 6, a referendum related to abortion rights. He later requested the advertisement be removed, stating he was unaware it was a political ad and did not support criminalizing abortion.
1992: Death of Robert Solomon Carson Jr.
Ben Carson's father, Robert Solomon Carson Jr., passed away in 1992.
1992: Publication of First Book
In 1992, Ben Carson published his first book, an autobiography, marking his entry into the world of writing.
1994: Carson Scholars Fund Established
In 1994, Ben Carson and his wife founded the Carson Scholars Fund to award scholarships to students in grades 4–11 for their academic excellence and humanitarian qualities.
1997: Separation of the Banda Twins
Building on the experience from the Binder twin separation, Carson participated in separating Zambian craniopagus twins Joseph and Luka Banda in 1997. The operation was successful, with the twins achieving a normal neurological outcome.
1997: Ben Carson's Mother Confirms Stabbing Incident
In 1997, a "Parade magazine" issue featured Ben Carson's mother verifying a past incident where he had stabbed someone.
1998: Carson's Commencement Address at Andrews University Sparks Controversy
In 1998, during his commencement speech at Andrews University, Ben Carson presented his belief that the pyramids of Giza were built by the biblical figure Joseph as grain storage. This statement, rooted in a long-discredited theory, drew attention and sparked debate.
2001: Ben Carson Named One of Nation's Top Physicians and Scientists
Ben Carson was recognized as one of the nation's 20 foremost physicians and scientists by both CNN and Time magazine in 2001.
2001: Carsons Purchase Property in Upperco, Maryland
In 2001, Ben and Candy Carson purchased a 48-acre property in Upperco, Maryland.
August 7, 2002: Carson Undergoes Prostate Cancer Surgery
On August 7, 2002, Ben Carson underwent a two-hour operation at Johns Hopkins Hospital after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
2003: Cameo Appearance in "Stuck on You"
Carson made a cameo appearance as a surgeon in the 2003 comedy film "Stuck on You," starring Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear as conjoined twins. Carson agreed to the role on the condition that the film premiere in Baltimore.
2004: Start of Relationship with Mannatech
Ben Carson began an "extensive relationship" with Mannatech, a multi-level marketing company, in 2004. This involved giving paid speeches and crediting their products for his improved prostate cancer symptoms.
2005: Carson Receives William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership
In 2005, Ben Carson was awarded the William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership in recognition of his work with the Carson Scholars Fund and other charitable contributions.
2008: Ben Carson Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2008, Ben Carson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in recognition of his contributions to neurosurgery.
2009: Mannatech Settles Deceptive-Marketing Lawsuit
Mannatech settled a deceptive-marketing lawsuit in 2009, but Ben Carson continued his association with them, raising concerns about his judgment.
2009: "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" Film Released
A biographical television film titled "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story," portraying Ben Carson's life and career, was released in 2009. Cuba Gooding Jr. played the role of Ben Carson in the film.
2010: Ben Carson Elected into the National Academy of Medicine
In 2010, Ben Carson's contributions to medicine were further acknowledged through his election into the National Academy of Medicine.
2011: Claim of Mannatech Donation
Ben Carson claimed in 2011 that Mannatech contributed to his endowed-chair post at Johns Hopkins Medicine. This claim was later refuted by his campaign team.
February 7, 2013: Keynote Address at National Prayer Breakfast
Ben Carson delivered the keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast on February 7, 2013. His speech, critical of President Obama's policies, garnered significant attention.
February 2013: Non-Affiliation with Political Parties
Ben Carson stated in February 2013 that he was not a member of any political party.
March 2013: Retirement Announcement
In March 2013, Ben Carson shared his decision to retire from surgery, expressing his desire to step down while at the peak of his career.
July 1, 2013: Official Retirement from Surgery
Carson's retirement from surgery became official on July 1, 2013.
July 2013: Columnist for The Washington Times
Ben Carson became a weekly opinion columnist for The Washington Times in July 2013, marking his entry into political commentary.
October 2013: Contributor to Fox News
In October 2013, Ben Carson was hired as a contributor by Fox News, providing analysis and commentary. This role lasted until the end of 2014.
2013: Ben Carson Delivers Speech at National Prayer Breakfast
Ben Carson gained national attention among political conservatives in 2013 after delivering a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. His speech was perceived by many as a critique of President Barack Obama's policies.
2013: Carson Family Moves to West Palm Beach
In 2013, Ben Carson, his wife, and his mother relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida.
2013: Ben Carson Retires from Medicine
In 2013, Ben Carson retired from medicine. At the time, he held the position of professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
2013: Carson Discusses His Adventist Faith and Literal Interpretation of Genesis
In 2013, Ben Carson publicly affirmed his Seventh-day Adventist beliefs, emphasizing his support for a literal interpretation of the six-day creation account in Genesis. He expressed pride in his faith and willingness to defend his views.
2013: Speaker at CPAC
Ben Carson was a speaker at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and participated in the CPAC straw polls in both 2013 and 2014.
2013: Publication of "America the Beautiful"
Ben Carson published his book "America the Beautiful" in 2013, advocating for the involvement of professionals in politics.
2013: Final Paid Speech for Mannatech
Ben Carson delivered his final paid speech for Mannatech in 2013, receiving $42,000. His ongoing association with the company, despite past controversies, continued to draw criticism.
January 2014: Financial Disclosure and Income
Financial disclosure forms revealed that Ben Carson and his wife earned between $8.9 million and $27 million from January 2014 to May 3, 2015.
August 2014: Chairman of Vaccinogen
Ben Carson served as chairman of Vaccinogen, a biotechnology company, from August 2014 to May 2015.
November 4, 2014: Rejoining the Republican Party
Ben Carson rejoined the Republican Party on November 4, 2014, citing pragmatic reasons related to his potential presidential candidacy in 2016.
December 2014: Carson Performs Well in CNN/ORC Poll
In December 2014, Carson performed well in a CNN/ORC poll of potential candidates, coming second in two different versions.
2014: Continued Association with Mannatech
Ben Carson's image appeared on Mannatech's website, and he praised their products in a PBS special, despite past controversies surrounding the company. This continued association drew scrutiny during his presidential campaign.
2014: Consideration for Speaker of the House
Some House Republicans approached Ben Carson in 2014 about the possibility of him running for Speaker of the House. He declined, focusing on his 2016 presidential campaign.
2014: End of Role at Fox News
Ben Carson's role as a contributor for Fox News ended in 2014.
2014: Participation in CPAC Straw Poll
Ben Carson participated in the CPAC straw poll in 2014, securing third place.
2014: Carson Discusses Apocalyptic Beliefs
In 2014, Ben Carson spoke about his belief that the United States would play a significant role in the coming apocalypse, as per his Seventh-day Adventist faith, and expressed hope that he would not be around when it happens.
May 2, 2015: Carson Teases Major Announcement
On May 2, 2015, Carson announced he would make a major announcement on his decision to enter the presidential race in two days.
May 3, 2015: Announcement of Presidential Campaign
Ben Carson announced his presidential campaign on May 3, 2015.
May 2015: Ben Carson Announces Presidential Candidacy
Following speculation about his political aspirations, Ben Carson officially announced his campaign for the 2016 Republican nomination for President in May 2015.
May 2015: Resignation from Vaccinogen
Ben Carson resigned from his position as chairman of Vaccinogen upon announcing his US presidential bid in May 2015.
August 2015: Carson Clarifies His Dietary Preferences
During a town hall event in August 2015, Ben Carson addressed his evolving dietary habits. While known to lean towards vegetarianism, he clarified that he does "occasionally enjoy a nice steak or a hamburger" and holds no aversion towards meat.
October 2015: Carson's Small Business Support Grows
In October 2015, the Super PAC supporting Carson received donations from more than 200 small businesses in one week, reflecting growing support for his campaign.
October 2015: Clarification on Mannatech Donation
In October 2015, Ben Carson's campaign team clarified that Mannatech did not contribute to his endowed-chair post at Johns Hopkins Medicine, attributing his previous statement to confusion and a mistake.
October 2015: Ben Carson Addresses Anger Issues on "Meet the Press"
In October 2015, during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," Ben Carson spoke about his experiences with a violent temper during his youth, describing instances of anger and aggression.
October 2015: John Boehner's Resignation
John Boehner resigned as Speaker of the House in October 2015, a position Ben Carson had declined to pursue earlier.
October 28, 2015: Denial of Mannatech Involvement
During a GOP debate on October 28, 2015, Ben Carson denied any significant involvement with Mannatech, calling it "propaganda." This claim was later disputed, highlighting inconsistencies in his account.
November 3, 2015: Mannatech Removes References to Carson
On November 3, 2015, Mannatech removed all references to Ben Carson from its website, citing compliance with campaign finance regulations. This move followed increased scrutiny of their relationship.
November 2015: Controversial Campaign Ad Aired
In November 2015, Carson's campaign aired a controversial TV ad featuring a rap by Aspiring Mogul. Carson later distanced himself from the ad, expressing his disapproval.
November 2015: Carson's Debate Remarks on ISIS
In a November 2015 Republican debate, Carson stated his intentions to make ISIS 'look like losers' and advocated capturing an energy field in Iraq.
November 2015: Media Scrutiny on Carson's Past
In November 2015, Carson's past came under scrutiny, with media probing discrepancies in his autobiography 'Gifted Hands'. Carson dismissed these allegations as a media 'witch hunt'.
2015: The Washington Post Reports on the Binder Twins
The Washington Post published an article in 2015 providing an update on the Binder twins, revealing the challenges they faced following the separation surgery. The article also highlighted how the surgery propelled Carson into the public eye.
2015: Mannatech Relationship and Presidential Campaign
Ben Carson's past relationship with Mannatech became a point of contention during his 2015 presidential campaign, raising questions about his endorsements and financial ties.
2015: Disputed Yale Exam Story
During Carson's 2015 presidential campaign, a story he recounted in his autobiography about a psychology exam at Yale was questioned. The Wall Street Journal found inconsistencies in the details of his story, leading to scrutiny and controversy.
2015: Carson Reaffirms Belief in Pyramid Theory
In 2015, Ben Carson publicly stood by his previous assertion that the pyramids of Giza were built by Joseph for grain storage, reigniting the controversy surrounding his stance.
March 11, 2016: Carson Endorses Trump
On March 11, 2016, a week after ending his presidential campaign, Carson endorsed Donald Trump, calling him 'the voice of the people to be heard'.
December 5, 2016: Carson Nominated for HUD Secretary
On December 5, 2016, Trump announced his intention to nominate Carson as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, despite concerns about Carson's lack of experience.
2016: Ben Carson Ends Presidential Campaign
Despite initially performing well in polls, Ben Carson experienced a series of disappointing primary results in the 2016 presidential election. After Super Tuesday, he decided to withdraw from the race and subsequently endorsed Donald Trump.
2016: Ben Carson Runs for President
Ben Carson was a candidate for President of the United States in the 2016 Republican primaries.
2016: Preparation for Presidential Campaign
Ben Carson declined the opportunity to run for Speaker of the House as he was preparing for his 2016 presidential campaign.
2016: Carson Joins Trump's Transition Team
After Trump's win in the 2016 election, Carson joined Trump's transition team as vice chairman and eventually accepted the position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
2016: Consideration for Presidential Run
Ben Carson rejoined the Republican Party as he was considering running for president in 2016.
January 24, 2017: Senate Committee Approves Carson's Nomination
On January 24, 2017, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs unanimously approved Carson's nomination for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
March 1, 2017: Carson Confirmed by Senate
On March 1, 2017, Ben Carson was confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development by a 58–41 vote, despite attempts to defeat his nomination.
March 2, 2017: Ben Carson Confirmed as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Following Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election, he nominated Ben Carson as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on March 2, 2017. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination with a 58–41 vote.
April 2017: Carson Speaks at National Low Income Housing Coalition Conference
In April 2017, Ben Carson, while speaking at the National Low Income Housing Coalition conference in Washington, announced that housing funding would be included in an upcoming infrastructure bill from the Trump administration.
May 2017: Carson Sells West Palm Beach Home
In May 2017, Ben Carson sold his home in West Palm Beach, Florida, for over $900,000 after purchasing a $4.4 million home in Palm Beach Gardens.
July 2017: Carson Addresses Senior Housing Concerns
In July 2017, Ben Carson expressed concerns about destitute seniors during his keynote address at the LeadingAge Florida annual convention. He reported that HUD had increased public housing programs for the elderly.
December 2017: The Economist Criticizes Ben Carson's HUD Leadership
In December 2017, The Economist criticized the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Ben Carson's leadership as "directionless" and noted that many top positions were unfilled. The agency also scaled back fair housing law enforcement and investigations, and several career officials left during Carson’s tenure.
2017: Controversy Over $31,000 Dining Set
In late 2017, Ben Carson faced criticism for spending up to $31,000 on a dining set for his office. This controversy arose after a HUD official filed a complaint about being demoted for refusing to exceed the legal spending limit.
2017: Ben Carson's Term as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Begins
In 2017, Ben Carson began his service as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
2017: Controversial HUD 'Listening Tour' Organized by Carson's Son
In 2017, Ben Carson allowed his son to help organize a HUD 'listening tour' in Baltimore. Documents revealed that his son had significant involvement, which raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
2017: Death of Sonya Carson
Ben Carson's mother, Sonya Carson, passed away in 2017.
2017: Federal Budget Proposal Cuts HUD Funding
In 2017, under the federal budget proposed by President Trump, the Department of Housing and Urban Development's budget for fiscal year 2018 would be cut by $6.2 billion (13%). Ben Carson supported these proposed cuts, despite having praised the Community Development Block Grant program.
February 2018: HUD Inspector General Investigates Carson's Family Involvement
In February 2018, the HUD inspector general's office announced an investigation into the role Ben Carson's family played at the department after concerns were raised about his son's involvement in a HUD 'listening tour'.
March 20, 2018: Carson Testifies About $31,000 Dining Set
On March 20, 2018, Ben Carson testified before the House Committee on Appropriations, stating that he had 'dismissed' himself from the decision to purchase a $31,000 dining set and left the choice to his wife.
2018: HUD Budget Cuts and Community Development Block Grant Elimination
In 2018, HUD faced a budget cut of $6.2 billion as proposed in the federal budget by President Trump. Ben Carson supported these cuts and suggested that federal housing funds for Detroit could be included in an expected infrastructure bill.
May 2019: Carson Confuses REO with Oreo During Congressional Testimony
In May 2019, Ben Carson, during congressional testimony, confused the term REO (Real Estate Owned) with the cookie Oreo, leading to criticism. Carson later accused Democrats of using 'Saul Alinsky' tactics during an appearance on Fox Business Network.
September 12, 2019: Inspector General Clears Carson of Misconduct
On September 12, 2019, HUD's inspector general released a report clearing Ben Carson of misconduct related to the purchase of a $31,000 dining set for his office.
September 2019: Carson Accused of Transphobic Remarks
In September 2019, Ben Carson was accused of making transphobic remarks during a meeting in San Francisco. He warned about 'big, hairy men' infiltrating women's shelters, prompting calls for his resignation. Carson denied using derogatory language.
March 1, 2020: Carson Joins White House Coronavirus Task Force
On March 1, 2020, Vice President Mike Pence's office announced that Ben Carson was added to the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
November 9, 2020: Carson Tests Positive for COVID-19
On November 9, 2020, Ben Carson tested positive for COVID-19 after attending President Trump's Election Night party. Initially treating himself with a homeopathic remedy, he later credited his recovery to Regeneron's experimental antibody therapy.
2021: Ben Carson's Term as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ends
Ben Carson's term as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development ended in 2021.
2021: Carson Founds American Cornerstone Institute
In 2021, Ben Carson founded the American Cornerstone Institute, a conservative think tank focused on advancing policies that promote faith, liberty, community, and life.
2021: Joining Galectin Therapeutics
In 2021, Carson joined Galectin Therapeutics to contribute to the development of belapectin, a potential treatment for NASH cirrhosis and certain cancers.