Former Mobile Preacher Delivers Benediction

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Rev. Joseph Lowery has thanked God for
letting Barack Obama inspire the nation to believe that "yes, we
can" work together toward a "more perfect union."
Delivering a benediction at the end of Obama's inauguration
ceremony, Lowery said Obama takes office at a "low moment" in the
nation's and the world's economic health. He prayed for an end to
"exploitation" of the weak and poor, and what he called
"favoritism toward the rich."
The 87-year-old Methodist is considered the dean of the civil
rights movement, helping lead the Montgomery bus boycotts in the
1950s and delivering a list of demands to Alabama Gov. George
Wallace during the bloody Selma-Montgomery March in 1965.
Lowery preached at Warren Street United Methodist Church in Toulminville from 1952-1961.
After being asked to deliver the benediction at Obama's
inauguration, Lowery said he's long hoped that an African-American
would one day become president, but didn't think he'd live long
enough to see it.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)