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rug

(82,333 posts)
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 11:40 AM Jan 2013

Inauguration Committee Announces Invocation, Benediction Speakers

Myrlie Evers-Williams and Louie Giglio to deliver prayers

Wednesday, Jan 9, 2013 | Updated 6:44 PM EST

President Barack Obama has selected Myrlie Evers-Williams and Louie Giglio to deliver the prayers at his Jan. 21 swearing-in ceremony, according to a release from the Presidential Inauguration Committee.

Evers-Williams is the widow of Medgar Evers, an NAACP field secretary who was shot in his driveway in 1963 by a white supremacist. Evers-Williams worked for decades to bring her husband's killer to justice -- he was convicted in 1994.

"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," Evers-Williams said in a statement.

According to the Washington Post, Evers-Williams may be the first woman and non-clergy member ever selected to deliver the invocation at the inauguration.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/politics/Inauguration-Committee-Announces-Invocation-Benediction-Speakers-186019232.html

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Inauguration Committee Announces Invocation, Benediction Speakers (Original Post) rug Jan 2013 OP
Join the conversation here re: Giglio DURHAM D Jan 2013 #1
he's out. nt Voice for Peace Jan 2013 #2
Yup, "volunatarily withdrew". rug Jan 2013 #3
I know Obama's not an idiot, so I wonder about his motive with such choices. Voice for Peace Jan 2013 #4
That's an interesting way to look at it. rug Jan 2013 #6
Glad they dropped Giglio. I think some of Obama's administrative staff have cbayer Jan 2013 #5
 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
4. I know Obama's not an idiot, so I wonder about his motive with such choices.
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 01:19 PM
Jan 2013

I remember a story from when I was little, about a girl
whose mom said she couldn't play with a certain child
down the street, because he or she was "bad" -- and
the girl responded "but how will they learn to be good if
nobody good is allowed to play with them?"

Apparently this child's thinking had a profound impact
on my own, because it's still a dominant point of view
for me.

Not that we allow ourselves to compromise our own
values -- but welcome others, without judgement,
in case they are able to learn and evolve. And in
such cases, everybody wins.

I'm interested in others' thoughts (except when they're
quick to judge and condemn with a broad brush.)

 

rug

(82,333 posts)
6. That's an interesting way to look at it.
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 04:11 PM
Jan 2013

His heart is definitely in the right place but some of these decisions are naive.

cbayer

(146,218 posts)
5. Glad they dropped Giglio. I think some of Obama's administrative staff have
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 02:19 PM
Jan 2013

a tin ear when it comes to GLBT issues.

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