Lowry Blesses Obama Inauguration

The man who gave the benediction at Tuesday's presidential inauguration of Barack Obama is a Georgian. The Reverend Joseph Lowry said Obama takes office at a "low moment" in the nation's and the world's economic health. The 87-year-old Methodist prayed for an end to "exploitation" of the weak and poor, and what he called "favoritism toward the rich."

Lowry added some humor to his blessing, ending with a rhyme familiar to black church-goers: "We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around...When yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen."
The crowd thundered, "Amen!"

(with help from the Associated Press)

Jim Martin nets civil rights nod

Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin earned a key endorsement from a famed civil rights leader -- the Rev. Joseph Lowery. Lowery's endorsement Wednesday is seen as a blow to Martin's rival, Vernon Jones, who is African-American. A runoff election next Tuesday will determine whether Jones or Martin will be the Democratic pick to challenge incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss in November.