Brotherly Love
A Cincinnati duo has been named the 2025 National Big & Little Brother of the Year.
Big Brother Norm Boyd and his Little Brother Tyjon have been matched in the mentoring program for almost a decade. Now 18, Tyjon credits Norm’s presence with helping him avoid negative influences, learn to do the right thing and treat others with respect. Saying he’d been ‘running the streets with the wrong crowd,’ Tyjon believes he likely would’ve been in prison without Norm’s influence.
Norm, who is retired, and Tyjon, who’s in college, are an unusual pair with a beautiful match story. When the two were matched, Tyjon had no clue what he was getting himself into with the "old man," but little did he know, Norm's age was just a number, and he would be trying to catch up with his Big. When they were matched, Tyjon was a young kid in need of direction to ensure he stayed on track.
After being matched with Norm, they both agree that their local agency couldn’t have picked a more perfect pair.
The two refer to each other as "Grand Big" and "Grand Little" as a joke that started when the Little called the Big old one day, and the joke has stuck. The Little says his Big has taught him everything from how to drive a car, to healthy conflict resolution and emotional regulation, and more. The Little credits Big Brothers Big Sisters for matching him with his Big, who helped shape him into the young man he’s become.
Both men hope their example encourages others to become Big Brother/Big Sister mentors.
Celebrated at the recent Big Brothers Big Sisters national conference in Philadelphia, Norm and Tyjon shared inspiring stories of their friendship, and honored Tyjon’s mother for choosing to bring a Big Brother into his life.
“I’m a reflection of Norm,” the Tyjon said proudly. Norm’s hopes to share his story and recruit other men and women his age to step up for the youth who need mentors in their communities. The two have shared hundreds of memories over their time together, but never lose sight of how much they learned from each other.