Washington, DC - Last week the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute (“The Institute”) honored the memory and legacy of one of the “Charleston Nine,” The Honorable Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney. The Institute established the annual “Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney Legacy Builder Scholarship” for their Political Leadership Training “Boot Camp.” This historic scholarship was announced in Charleston, SC with Reverend Pinckney’s wife Jennifer and daughters Eliana and Malana in attendance.

Clementa Carlos Pinckney was a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate and the senior pastor of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church. Pinckney was elected to the South Carolina General Assembly in 1996, at the age of 23, becoming the youngest African- "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American"American elected as a South Carolina state legislator. On June 17, 2015, Pinckney was murdered along with eight others in a mass shooting at an evening Bible study at his church.

The Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute is pleased to collaborate with the Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney Foundation to identify one deserving individual who embodies Pinckney’s spirit of service to attend the Institute’s annual “Boot Camp.”

The Institute has been making an impact for over fifteen years by raising awareness of issues affecting the African American community. The programs of the Institute educate voters, train new political leaders, and advocate powerful policy solutions.

Each year the Institute receives applications from across the country from individuals who want to engage in public advocacy and civic participation. Since its inception, the “Boot Camp” has provided an intensive political training second to none to select individuals who have been sponsored by a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. There are over 500 alumni to include local, state and nationally elected officials.

Those receiving the Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney Legacy Builder Scholarship will have the opportunity to receive not only financial assistance, but will join a growing community of exceptional young leaders from across the country. The Institute is proud to play a small part in Reverend Pinckney’s legacy through this scholarship program.

If you’re interested in supporting the Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney Legacy Builder Scholarship, please visit: www.cbcinstitute.org.