B-CU senior wins MLK scholarship for public speaking

Bryant Marshall Wilcox, a rising senior from Jacksonville, was recently awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Scholarship for public speaking. Wilcox was presented the $1,000 scholarship during a Dr. Martin Luther King breakfast in downtown Jacksonville at the Hyatt Hotel. Wilcox delivered a speech at the breakfast on Jan. 18. Wilcox is a religion and philosophy major. He also is a young minister, which is one of the attributes that played a role in his selection as the winner. Each scholarship contestant was expected to have a keen idea of who Dr. King was, his legacy, ideology and be able to prove that some of the civil rights icon's characteristics are some of their own. Wilcox described the process as "humbling." He said he had to be dedicated to his research on King and have patience through the long process, which strengthened his faith. Wilcox urges young ministers to practice public speaking, and dedicate time to being a positive community advocate.