Widow of Medgar Evers to deliver invocation at Obama inauguration
Source: Washington Post
President Obama has picked Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of slain civil rights icon Medgar Evers, to deliver the invocation at his public swearing-in later this month. It is believed to be the first time a woman, and a layperson rather than a clergy member, has been chosen to deliver what may be Americas most prominent public prayer.
The inaugural committee Tuesday plans to announce that the benediction will be given by conservative evangelical pastor Louie Giglio, founder of the student-focused Passion Conferences, which draw tens of thousands of people to events around the world.
The contrasting choice of speakers are typical of a president who has walked a sometimes complicated path when it comes to religion working to be inclusive to the point that critics at times have questioned his faith.
In a statement released by the inaugural committee, the president said the careers of Evers-Williams and Giglio reflect the ideals that the Vice President and I continue to pursue for all Americans - justice, equality and opportunity.
Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/inauguration/medgar-evers-widow-to-deliver-invocation-at-obama-inauguration/2013/01/07/293904e2-592e-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html
NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)K/R
Tempest
(14,591 posts)BumRushDaShow
(129,413 posts)A brave woman.
CurtEastPoint
(18,658 posts)msanthrope
(37,549 posts)catbyte
(34,442 posts)BVictor1
(229 posts)Because of the work done by her first husband and Mrs. Evers herself, is one of the reasons that we have a President Obama.
It kind of makes me want to watch 'Ghost of Mississippi' again.
Much blood has been shed by those fighting for Civil Rights to reach this moment.
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)It would be great to hear invocations to our proudest and most eloquent expressions of the American ideal of a future in a promised land of freedom, justice, and equality for all, where humanity lives as the one family we are.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)"The American ideal of a future in a promised land of freedom, justice, and equality for all, where humanity..."
Which are also mere expressions of those constructs which exist no where but our own imaginations, and not in fact, part and parcel of reality-- but merely more metaphysical interpretations of it...
But I do realize many imaginary constructs are held as more concrete than others.
Coyotl
(15,262 posts)and imagination led to it, no doubt. It exists outside of imagination today.
OccupyManny
(60 posts)For all Americans. We need to work to eliminate term limits for this president who is one of the best ever. He saved our country.
Joe Bacon
(5,165 posts)I fully expect to see those TV pulpit pimp parasites throw yet another fit. And I could care less about those crooks.
mountain grammy
(26,646 posts)than to have his equally heroic widow pray for our President and our country. God know we need it.
longship
(40,416 posts)The presidency is not some high priesthood.
Why do they have to have prayer?
MotherPetrie
(3,145 posts)freshwest
(53,661 posts)NBachers
(17,136 posts)flame away, dudes
hamsterjill
(15,223 posts)n/t
bemildred
(90,061 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)at least have a good person doing it.
watrwefitinfor
(1,400 posts)at this time. For many reasons.
But mostly because the civil right that was central to Medgar's struggle and death was the right to vote.
Perhaps POTUS is sending a quiet message.
Wat
tgnyc
(1,218 posts)An especially poignant connection to current events
Cha
(297,590 posts)proportions.
On Martin Luthur King Day
bluestateguy
(44,173 posts)I'm pleased that the president has learned his lesson and will not repeat the insulting selection of Rick Warren.
madrchsod
(58,162 posts)the wacky right wing will go fuck`n crazy!
DavidDvorkin
(19,485 posts)Cha
(297,590 posts)"Myrlie Evers-Williams and her children, Reena, Van and Darrell, photographed shortly after her husband (and their father), Medgar Evers, was assassinated in 1963. Fifty years later she will deliver the invocation for the inauguration of the President of the United States.
I am humbled to have been asked to deliver the invocation for the 57th inauguration of the President of the United States especially in light of this historical time in America when we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. (NBC)http://theobamadiary.com/
On Giglio
During these days it is essential for our nation to stand together as one, Giglio said in a statement. And, as always, it is the right time to humble ourselves before our Maker.
Thank you, NYC Liberal
Bucky
(54,053 posts)BigDemVoter
(4,156 posts)Mrs. Evers rocks!