Lowery grateful that nation believes 'yes we can'

WASHINGTON - The Rev. Joseph Lowery of Georgia 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.

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.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/1/217014