Carlas "CJ" Quinney Jr.,
A Hero In Our Midst

For Carlas "CJ" Quinney Jr., being a hero could not come quickly enough.

Over six years ago, CJ saw a commercial for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lansing, Michigan, featuring a young boy named Shaquille. CJ quickly thought that he had finally found his way to “give back;” his parents had always been there for him and he knew how fortunate he was to have received so much support and love from them both throughout his life. In addition, being a Big Brother for a child named Shaquille, his all-time favorite basketball player, seemed like a sign.

Unfortunately, CJ was 17 at the time and volunteers for the community-based program needed to be at least 18. Waiting just a couple of months until his 18th birthday, CJ reappeared at the agency to begin the application process. He was matched with 8-year-old Marton, whose middle name, unbeknownst to CJ for a number of years, is actually Shaquille!

CJ, who is graduating from Michigan State University (MSU) in May, has given Marton so much more than the “male perspective” that Marton’s mom identified was missing in her son’s life. When the relationship began, Marton, a quiet, reserved child, had behavioral problems and suffered from poor grades in school.

As CJ and Marton began to spend time together, at first going to the movies, playing sports, taking trips to the zoo, outings for pizza, and visiting CJ’s family, they formed a bond that allowed CJ to get more involved in Marton’s school and home life. CJ would visit with Marton’s teachers (at the same grade school that he attended) to find out in what areas Marton needed help.

Marton started going to the library at MSU with CJ where they would each study and do their homework. Marton’s efforts started to pay off as he began coming home with A’s and B’s on his report card.

“We worked for years on improving his skills in the classroom and his ability to stay on task. That came to a climax this year when he received a 3.5 grade point average,” said CJ. “The look on Marton’s face as he handed me his report card…and the joy that we both felt in accomplishing such a goal was phenomenal,” CJ proudly explained.

Being involved with Marton has had a tremendous impact on CJ’s life, as well. When he entered college, he was unsure of what career path to pursue.

CJ majored in Family Community Services and will start a master’s program in this field in the fall. His mentoring experience also encouraged him to get involved with “Break the Cycle”, a non-profit agency that educates and empowers at-risk youth to avoid dangerous paths i.e., teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, low academic achievement. Through the program, he has had an opportunity to present workshops, host conferences and speak to youth across the country.

Marton’s mom, Tonya Benson, knows what having CJ in her son’s life has meant. “Marton, the eldest of three boys, now sees the importance of education and realizes the discipline and hard work it takes to achieve success.” She continued, “He is only thirteen years old but already expresses a desire and looks forward to following in CJ’s footsteps and becoming a Big Brother as well one day.”

To him, Marton is family…”our relationship as brothers goes beyond our title of Big and Little. It would be hard to fathom my life without Marton,” CJ explained. “He is my brother.”