WASHINGTON (CNN) – The Rev. Joseph Lowery, a leader during the civil rights movement and former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, delivered the inaugural ceremony's benediction Tuesday on the west front of the U.S. Capitol.
Reverend Joseph Lowery.
"We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we've shared this day," Lowery, 87, said in delivering the prayer.
He asked that Americans cling to the spirit of fellowship embodied at the inauguration.
"We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to give 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," Lowery said.
From CNN Politics
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Best of all the speaches and prayers...
WHITE MAN GET IT RIGHT! I AM SURE HE IS TALKING TO ALL OF YOU WHITE LIBERAL BLOGERS!!!!
I absolutely loved Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowrey's benediction. The vision he delivered through his benediction, coupled with the hymn and the scriptures that he chose to include, brought be to tears. I was extremely moved by the entire inauguration, but Rev. Lowrey's benediction was, for me, the most moving.
Does it bother anyone that 1. Rev. Joseph Lowery delivered a speech that states "and when white will embrace what is right". Does this strike anyone as offensive? It suggests that White people do not embrace what is right?
Not to mention his views of equality do not extend to the Homosexual community?
Troublesome choice and speech.
What kind of racist "Reverend" is this man? "when white will embrace what is right.". Sorry rev, but "white" has embraced what is right a long, long time ago. Same old race baiting rhetoric we've been hearing for years.
When white will embrace what is right? How about all the blacks dealing drugs, killing each other, etc. Why do only the whites have to do what is right? What a crock...
With continued talk like this, the walls will continue...
I though white already did what is right. We educated ourselves, hold down jobs, donate to charities and marry the mother of our children. If that's not right – what is????
"when white will embrace what is right"????? Here we go, it is all whites' fault..Get ready American whites....time to be blames for everything !!
Why were his racists comments allowed to taint this historic event?
i believe it was "black will not be asked to get back". get it straight.
idiot
Wow...so much for uniting the nation. It's OK...soon over 50% of the nation will not be asked to give back because hard-working people like me will be asked to bleed more for those who do not pull any weight, much less their own weight, further burdening us with more taxes so more can feel entitled to their favorite programs.
I think white IS embracing what is right.
And this offends no one? good thing a republican didnt say something like this about blacks
i'm offended
playing the race card at an inauguration? for shame!
Today should have been a day when black, brown, yellow, red, and white stood as one and watched history take place.But we once again were reminded of how much more must take place for all humans to realize that we are all equal. During what could have been a great benediction prayer. we again put the responsibilty of bridging the gap to the white people instead of bonding; we were again broken into race.
Wow... I was immediately offended. I'm white obviously, and it's true that there have been many white men that have done evil. However, they come in all colors and types. I'm offended that they group white's into an all evil category....
I thought the days of asking black to ride in the back were far behind us. Hmm...I guess I should embrace what is right.
My wife and I loved his benediction.Loved his words.Would love to have his words to reflect on. Thank you Ray & Mary Ann Myers
FYI, "black will not be asked to give back" is a misquote. It's "black will not be asked to get in back", referring to segregated bussing.
At 87 yrs of age, this man has earned the right to say anything he likes!! This was absolutely the most memorable prayer ever!! I say "AMEN"
got that right. Republican or democrat it shouldn't matter. That comment should upset everyone. How many more rights must be given above what I can get before its right.
playing the race card at an inauguration? for shame! X2
So much for "change" Keep talking like that and there will NEVER be change.
You whites need to start doing what's right!
"when black will not be asked to give back"?!?! We should ALL be giving back. This is not a land of free handouts. "when white will embrace what is right"?!?! We should ALL embrace what's right. That includes NOT POINTING FINGERS. Where was today's "spirit of unity" in this prayer?? This was totally inapproriate and only supports the speration and racism that exists today.
Lowery was playing off a saying that is old and a black standard on racism and color preference – we said it as kids. I am 53. When I was a kid, there were pictures of little black kids being hosed by the police and attacked by police dogs.
If you're white, you're right
If you're yellow, you're mellow
If you're brown, stick around
And if you're black, get back.
His was a play on those words and the saying is more about institutions than individuals.
Lowery has seen ugliness from people, sanctioned by government and not, give him a break. Before you start yelling victim, walk a mile in his shoes.
this man must think that bull conner is still around wake up we are all americans and by the way if you look at history especially the 1950s most of the people holding blacks down in the south were all democrats
Not surprised really...
In this country if you rip on Christians, or white people, you're fine...
Didn't we just elect a black man as president? I would think that would be evidence enough to Rev. Lowry that blacks, browns and reds (I'm sure Native Americans love being called "red man") are treated as equals in the United States.
I do hope CNN will correct their transcription error: "when black will not be asked to GET IN BACK" were Rev. Lowery's words. I replayed that part to make sure. Yes, he is elderly (87) and did not speak as clearly as some others – this is not an excuse to misquote him in an inflammatory manner.
Will the CNN moderator please ask for a correction? Thanks.
Yes we need to get by this and Yes We Can! Our new President did not get into office without every races dedication. BUT LETS NOT ACT LIKE SLAVERY DIDNT HAPPEN AS WELL AS SEPARATE BUT UNEQUAL AND THE CONSTANT EXISTENCE OF RACISM. Do you think African Americans are supposed to just forget? Don't take a step backwards (any of us). New situations create new responses. Let's keep building!
Sincerely,
American Human
Kelli, the statement ends with "get back" not "give back". Rev. Lowery did not create these statements. They were sayings from the beginning of the US Civil Rights Movement. He was reflecting on what was and how we, Americans are now changing and mending race relations.
wow... racism at its finest... and here i thought obama was all about unifying and uniting... you hear this benediction... you read michelle obama's thesis... and you realize that these are very very racist people...
Racism will never end until all sides let go of the past and we all look forward instead of keeping one foot in the grave of past injustices.
IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!! Unfortunately, from the comments, white folk still don't get it. They have a hard time acknowledging history where their ancestors were evil. They need to see behind before EVERYONE can move forward. Get out of denial, be happy for a people that have overcome all the hatred tossed at them.
Once again it is a misquote, it should say "get back"...like in back of house to enter or bus.
Let is rest already those blowharded, democrat, left wing liberal wanks. The REV. was wrong to say what he did in his benediction and what was the point really? I am amazed that the raace card was being thrown around on the day the first black President was sworn in.
I just have to say that as a white person, I appreciated Rev. Lowery's moving words. I wasn't at all offended by his prayer that whites embrace what's right. I took it as a heartfelt wish that we ALL, including white folks, can and should work together against discrimination and racial oppression. Even though white folks aren't the ones who suffer from racist systems, we can still do the right thing. It is good that he acknowledged the role we have played, and have to play, in creating a more just world.
Let's not pretend that systemic racism goes both ways: throughout this country's history, various institutions have been used to benefit white people at the expense of African Americans and other people of color. Sure, there are episodes of discrimination against white people, but it's not the same thing. It's not living under the terror of lynchings or having your skull cracked by the police for riding in the wrong part of the bus or being sold away from your mother to a slave owner who would rape and beat you if he wanted to. My ancestors - immigrant tradespeople, factory workers, farmers - had a tough time, but they never had to deal with that. Not in this country, anyway.
There's not a thing wrong with someone like Rev. Lowery, who has lived to see white people take stands on either side of justice, who has marched beside white allies and stood up to white bullies - praying that we choose the right side. He knows white people have the power to decide which side of history we stand on. And since his speech - as I reading some of the hateful wishes and racial slurs that have been written not here, but on other parts of the web about him in reaction to his words - I pray we embrace what's right, too.
Racism will not end until people stop being racist...black people, white people, asians, whatever...and I'm not sure that can happen. It would be nice if could tho.
Jae, you have to be kidding! Seriously you're joking, right? No one is denying the past, if we were then it wouldn't be in our history books. If you were not an anglo saxten you were discriminated against. Plain and simple. It was not only the African Americans that had injustices against them, remember that.
Again, it is right in the history books. Go to a library and pick one up, I guarantee that not one of them are missing that imporant chapter of Slavery.
"when white will embrace what is right," Now that is very offensive .. Can't let go of racism for one day! It's a complete insult!!!!
This was a PRAYER!!!! I see no reverence in referring to a racial rhyme during a prayer. This inauguration should not have been used as a platform about race or color – it is about AMERICA. Rev Lowery set his community back 50 years with that ignorace.
Rae: I am tired of being forced to "look back in history". Quit your whining and seize the opportunities in front of you. This pity party is getting old.
I too was offended by the Rev. Lowery's comments. Most whites are TRYING to embrace what's right - how about a little help here?
Was he praying to God or Snoopy Snoop Dogg?
That is pure, unadulterated ignorance...just a sign of things to come!!
There is still a major problem with racism in this country and it is black racism against whites. If a white person had pulled a stunt like this, a great cry would have been heard amongst the people of color and we would have been harshly criticized. I believe the reaction to this racist speach was AMEN. Well, isn't that special. If there were truly still a problem with equality in this country, how in the hell did we elect a black president and the list of very successful people of color...all colors....is long.
How disappointing that on a historic day, instead of asking God to heal our country, the Rev. divides us again by his careless choice of words. Sadly it seems he is the one who has embraced his own pride as if Pres. Obama's election is a victory for African Americans. Maybe we haven't come as far as we thought.
didn't whites do what was right by voting obama into office? we cast more votes than blacks so i'm not sure what his offensive line meant. i think the only racist act here was by the lowery.
too bad such a promising day has been flawed by him. why stir this up on a day of celebration.
To the comment about looking forward instead of back...was Lowry looking back to make his cheap shot in his prayer? Boy, I am glad that he has put the past behind him. He had me fooled there for a minute when he bashed white people at the end. I don't care what color people are, but if you want to shout about racism, shout about these discriminatory remarks.
To : Tom, gchat, Janey, Dave, Tina Wilson, jim, Frank, Kelli, gary, josiah, meredith, and Geesh, I feel you all are trying to make a big deal out of nothing. You don't seem to understand what Lowery was saying and if you read the comment of "frustrated" maybe you will get it. Get down off your whiny soap boxes and stop being so sensitive. You know the saying, if the shoe fits wear it? I feel you all are only offended because you are choosing to wear the shoe which must fit. I didn't find anything he said to be racist. It was a great prayer. It's just like party crashers to say what you all have said, however, it is a free country and all of us have the right to say what we feel. So I say, grow up. :0)
This is a prayer I think God enjoyed very much! The good reverand doctor's speech and aretha's channeling of Dr. King were my two proudest moments of the 72 hours of coverage.
I know he's an old man, but his comments were racially insensitive. He should apologize. I haven't ever seen any "yellow" people walking around. Who are they?
I was insulted, being white, by what he said. Obama would not be president if most of the country did not vote for him. Therefore, white and black democrats and maybe some republicans voted for him but, the point is WHITE people voted for him.
I am insulted because, I always try to do what is right. I am not racist. I do not discriminate. I have my beliefs and I have respect for those who have theirs. I am insulted that this person thinks he needs to pray for me to do what is right just because of race. He should be praying for EVERYONE to do what is right. Just the same it is not okay for blacks, browns, reds, yellows, and whites to be racist.
I can only imagine the outrage if a white man said "and when blacks will embrace what is right". I'm not too offended, but it's ridiculous to suggest it wasn't racist because it was and everyone knows it.
Doesn't anyone know how to spell?
I was shocked at the comment about "whites getting it right." True, not all whites are accepting of other races, but neither are all African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, etc. When will the past stopped being thrown in our face? If you want someone to change, you can't keep bringing up the past, you have to forgive and go on. It concerns me that Obama would have approved of the content of Lowery's benediction. Besides, it's just irreverent, racial comments aside, to "joke" while praying.
I didn't vote for Obama because he wasn't the right MAN for the job. This proves that I was right about his poor character.
Thank you Laura. Seems that most of you are looking for something to fight against and be a "white victim" as opposed to listening for a second and realizing what was really said and why it was said. Thanks again Laura.
I looked at the benediction differently and was not offended. My family happens to be a blend of a number of ethic groups and that's a blessings.
However, I feel that many of us are looking for a time when color will no longer be an issue at all. Unfortunately, there are many who have not eleavated to the level that some of the rest of us have, where race is not an issue. Some of you missed Rev. Lowery's key words before he broke down the color ryhme. The words are "We ask that you help us work for a day when..." (simply meaning a day when 'the color barrier is no more).
As a woman that is viewed as African American when looking at the color of my skin I've faced racism since the Obama -Biden where voted in as President & Vice President Elect.
I live in NJ and was visiting VA during the December holidays and a mgr. of a well known restaurant chain spoke to my guest and I as if we were still back in the 40s, 50s and 60s. It was disheartening to say the least. He may as well have called us the N-word as well.
However, I did not allow the above incident to break my spirit, I wrote a letter to the headquaters of the chain and alerted them to what occured. I received a call back from the regional and district mgr. and they are handling the matter.
I say all this to say, the door is opening and yes many of us are looking at character and not color, but some still find it difficult to embrace the paradigm shift.
To my brothers and sisters who have the lighter complexions, I hope you read my story and undertstand that Rev. Lowery's comments are not a slap in the face, it's keeping hope that we can one day move beyond this color issue for good. I feel one day it will occur for good, but in the mean time we must continue to embrace our similarities and respect our differences.
What's sad about Jae's comment is that nearly all white people acknowledge the evil of slavery and racism from the past yet still get bashed for it as though slavery still exists today. Racism is really a card that will be played forever. Read Chris Rocks's interview with CNN this week; even he admits it (not that he's the authority on the subject). The reality is that there is no such thing as equality. Rather, it is a mask for the search for power and advantage from any group claiming equality is what it seeks. If this were not true, then a benchmark could be set upon which, once achieved, the claims of inequality would be required to cease. The most we can do is attempt to coexist without hatred, tension, and pointing the finger at each other's differences. Rev. Lowery's comments used a term ("black") that our schools and universitys teach is offensive and racist, while pointing a finger at the white man. I've been told that his comments are a common prayer in "black" churches, which I find even MORE offensive. At 87 yrs of age...he should know better and choose his words more carefully. Then again, maybe he really said what he meant.
The funny thing is that many black, brown, red and yellow people actually believe that our white ancestors where the only ones participating in slavery and discrimination. Throughought history people of every color have been committing these acts. In fact it is still going on in many parts of the world even today. Whites are not the only people capable of evil. Instead of more divisive comments we need to move forwad in a color blind way. Peace out!
For such a historic day Rev. Lowrey's prayer was completely disappointing and uninspiring. If Pastor Warren referred to people as 'yellow', 'red', and 'brown' and then proceeded to adhere stereotypes to each race, people would have started rioting right there. If Obama truly wants to be a post-racial leader he needs to stop permitting racist language from minorities. A double standard for and divisive rhetoric from black leaders will only slow progress. MLK would not have been proud of that prayer, what a low note to end that historic, beautiful ceremony.
For goodness sake, the reason it was amusing and made people smile is because he was looking backward and paraphrasing old song lyrics. He wasn't trying to offend all us super sensitive white folks at all. Get a grip.
You white folks who voted for Obama deserve every word Rev. Lowrey said. You had been had!
Now that an african american is in the White House, I think it is time for me, a white woman, to be offended by comments regarding my race. Doesn't this imply that "we" don't embrace things that are right? Would other races be offended by this inference? You bet! This is the change we need?
Absolutely divisive and racist comments. Completely inappropriate.
If you don't see anything at all racist about his comments then you have racist views for sure and are most likely a racist yourself.
If his intent was to unite people in his prayer, it is not evident as you see by the comments of people here. So he fell short, very short, if that were the case.
Racism is racism is racism! No matter who said it, or how old they are!
Rev. Joseph Lowery prayed a prayer that included his beliefs, which are apparent to all people now. Call it whatever you want, but it belongs in the following category of racism.
For those who were so offended & upset by Rev. Lowery's benediction, get over it! We've had 400 years to get to this day. And if you can't take hearing a few comments from an 80+ year old man who has been cursed and beaten and arrested and has had to tolerate some of the worst treatment for simply asking to be treated as an equal, then you've got some work to do. Yes, enough white people voted for Obama, and we've come a long way...but don't ask people to forget where we've come from.
I am very offended. How many black people have jobs because of the Federal Gov. How many black people have benefited from Affirmative Action–and how large is the single mother, no father in the home, to collect welfare number and what is the % of blacks that have earned prison and jail time? I do not need to be told to do what is right–I as a hard working, tax paying, law abiding, self-made person do what is right. This is offensive to ALL.
I am offended as a White man, because I feel we were singled out. Is the only discrimination in this country White against everyone else? Why can't we all "embrace what is right". We are all Americans no matter what color you are. When are we going to stop pointing fingers and just work together?
"and when white will embrace what is right".
Just a question, would this sound a little racist?
I guess my time working for civil rights in the 60's doesn't count because I am white? I thought I was doing what was right?
racist.
Sad that race had to be brought up yet again, no matter what color you are, you should be offended. It's shameful and I think Rev. Lowery was just looking for his opportuity. Pitiful, and I am sad to have witnessed such irreverance on a historical day.
Best benediction I've ever heard!!! Unless you are a racist there was no HARM done. I thought it was cute...so all of you conservative John Mccain and Bush lovers please note you are officially the minority.
It's a new Dawn and a New day!!!!!
I was was really enjoying the Reverend's speech, until he added the racist spin. I do believe that his view stems from a different perspective, but I honestly expected more from a mature, educated leader, chosen to speak at such an event. Unfortunately for him, and President Obama, this phrase will likely create an indelible shadow over this historic event. Very sad.
Once again a black Rev. could not help himself and take a poke at
the white population in this country. This is racism at it's best.
I am tired and sick of everything being blamed on the white people
of this nation. You people need to move on , grow up and stop whining. Everyone is in this together and everyone better wise up and
be thankful for what we have. Problems in all groups is mostly caused by themselves not someone else. White men elect all people
in this land in a nation election, women , minorities, are only a small
part of the electing power. So if you what to piss off white men then go ahead, but just watch out, cause we can make major changes in the ballot box We better be humble!!!!!!
I am white and my response to Dr. Lowery's benediction is: Amen, Amen, again I say Amen. What an historic, unbelievably wonderful day in our nation's history.
As the mother of biological and adopted children of multiple races I explained the great importance of this election to my children. I sat with them and watched the inaguration and was very moved by what was happening.
Then Rev. Lowery came on with what could have been a beautiful prayer to begin this presidency. Then came the comment "and when white will embrace what is right". To which my two middle fingers came up. Thank God my children had left the room by then.
I teach my children to ALWAYS judge other people based on their character, not EVER on the color of their skin. I am sick beyond words of this double standard in this country about racism.
There is no excuse for this. Before you go telling people that thier ancestors were evil, know that many of our ancestors weren't even in this country at the time of slavery. Just like I tell my children when they come to me and tell on eachother and the defense is "he did it first" . My response is did you like it when it happened to you? Then what would justify you doing it back?
It is people like Rev. Lowery who bring racism into my home. It is not taught by this white woman.
P.S. Barack Obama is half white and was raised by white people. Has everyone forgotten that?
So after reading many of these quotes, I am still offended. It should have been a common sense thing to leave the race card alone. When preparing for such a large speech on such a historic day you would think that someone would try their best not to put a comment like that in it. Many people have said to look at the history books and read about slavery. Just remember that things go on that don’t make it into the history books. Just to give a scenario to some of you that we all need to “embrace what is right.” Upon returning to my apartment on election night I entered to cops everywhere in the complex. I rolled down my window and asked what was going on, he told me everything was fine just hurry to your room. When I turned into the complex towards my apartment there were African Americans running around and celebrating. To me the celebration ended when a group of about 5 African Americans turned to me and began to yell “Black Power” at me with a raised fist. I am a twenty year old white female that was verbally attacked because of my skin color. When I tried to leave about 30 minutes later the cops had to escort me out of the complex. So please tell me that the white man needs to embrace what is right. Looks like to me that everyone needs to. A child lives by what they have learned according to their surroundings. The only way to stop racism is to not teach your children racism which means you don’t live by a life of racism. If those kids that yelled at me knew me they would know that I do not mind the skin color of a person.
Please let us see the parade and quit talking so much