Dr. Ben Carson - a story worth hearing

An inner city child grows up in Detroit poverty. Initially he makes poor grades and deals with low self- esteem.

But he keeps studying, keeps working. He reads and reads and reads. The child pours himself into his studies, goes to college. Eventually he becomes a pediatric neurosurgeon.

It's a story that has grabbed national fame, and Dr. Ben Carson will share it Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Sikeston Field House at 200 Pine St.

Carson is an author and the subject of a 2009 movie called "Gifted Hands; the Ben Carson Story" starring Cuba Gooding Jr. as Carson.

America needs to be reminded of stories such as Carson's. America remains a land of opportunity, and during his visit, Carson will remind people, including students, of this. Carson will explore what is good about the United States and where he believes the nation has gone astray.

Carson, who is black, has become an icon for conservatives after claiming at a National Prayer Breakfast in 2013 -- with President Obama in attendance as a guest -- that Obamacare is "the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery."

Carson has been very vocal about his opposition to the Affordable Care Act.

The Sikeston event is being billed as a nonpartisan engagement. Regardless of political views, Carson's journey out of poverty is a story that should be told and heard.

In addition to his public speaking event, he will be speaking to a group of students. Additionally, several scholarships will be awarded.

Tickets are $25 and can be ordered by calling 573- 318-6253 or going to DrBenCarsonEvent.com. No tickets may be bought at the door.