Claflin University scholarships honor slain Emanuel AME pastor

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) - Claflin University is honoring the slain pastor of Emanuel AME Church by awarding two scholarships annually in his name.

Claflin spokesman Craig Cotton said Tuesday the private historically black university in Orangeburg will begin awarding the $2,500 scholarships next year.

They honor the late Sen. Clementa Pinckney, who was among the nine victims killed June 17 when a white gunman opened fire following Bible study. Pinckney had been pastor of one of the nation's oldest black churches since 2010.

Cotton says any student who meets Claflin's admissions requirements and attends one of the 30 AME churches in the denomination's Edisto district in Charleston County will be eligible.

University President Henry Tisdale presented a framed memorial to Pinckney's widow, Jennifer, at the college's Founders' Day convocation Sunday.

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