Claflin University’s 2026 UNCF Ecumenical Day of Prayer was a festive, high-energy celebration that brought together powerful prayer, uplifting music, joyful fellowship, and a shared commitment to philanthropy. More than 300 guests and sponsors from the campus and surrounding communities raised nearly $50,000 to support the University’s UNCF Scholarship Campaign. The theme for this year’s annual event was “Investing in Minds & Transforming Futures.”
Pastor Dartanyan Jamerson of Greater Faith Baptist Church in Orangeburg presided over the morning’s program, which featured clergy and faith leaders from Orangeburg and neighboring communities who offered prayers seeking guidance for race relations, equality and justice, health care, government, students, education, and the UNCF's mission.
Special guest vocalist Minister Jason Singleton was one of the morning's musical highlights. Members of the Claflin University Gospel Choir D.R.E.A.M. (Disciples Reaching Excellence and Achievement through Ministry) also participated in the program, reflecting the Breakfast’s longstanding emphasis on uniting the campus and faith communities in support of student success.
A volunteer committee co-chaired by Minister Bessie H. Byrd ’72 and Rev. Dr. Minnie Anderson guided the event, with support from Claflin’s Director of Church Relations, Rev. Vivian R. Lingard.
“We are deeply grateful to our committee members, our churches, and everyone throughout the Orangeburg community whose generosity and faithful support made this year’s Breakfast such a success,” said Lingard. “But our partnership does not end with this one morning. We invite Orangeburg’s faith community to continue walking with the Claflin students, faculty and staff as they work every day to expand opportunity, strengthen our communities and create better futures for us all.”
The funds raised through the Breakfast will support scholarship opportunities for Claflin students through the University’s UNCF Scholarship Campaign.
Claflin University extends its appreciation to the sponsors, churches, community partners, alumni, friends, volunteers, program participants, and guests whose generosity helped make the 2026 Ecumenical Day of Prayer Breakfast a success.