“Throughout the nearly 13 years of his public, Christian social ministry, King so attuned himself to the word of God, as to recover and to exercise the biblical vocation of prophecy for his country, our country, indeed, for the world.” Theology professor M. Shawn Copeland said.

Smith will receive a $19,000 scholarship toward his senior year tuition, as well as a $1,000 gift certificate to the Boston College Bookstore.

Through various mediums, including song, prayer, poetry, and public speaking, the night addressed the marginalization of people of color and minorities at large.