Evers' widow to give swearing-in prayer

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WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Myrlie Evers-Williams, wife of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers, will deliver the invocation at President Obama's swearing-in, the event committee said.

Selected to give the benediction is the Rev. Louie Giglio, founder of Passion Conferences and a prominent voice in the evangelical movement, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Tuesday.

"Vice President Biden and I are honored that Myrlie Evers-Williams and [the] Rev. Louie Giglio will participate in the inaugural ceremony," Obama said. "Their voices have inspired many people across this great nation within the faith community and beyond. Their careers reflect the ideals that the vice president and I continue to pursue for all Americans -- justice, equality and opportunity."

Obama and Biden will officially be sworn in Jan. 20. The ceremonial swearing-in is Jan. 21.

Evers-Williams said she was "humbled" to be asked to deliver the invocation, "especially in light of this historical time in America when we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement."

Giglio said it will be a "privilege" to lead the benediction "as we look ahead to a future that honors and reflects the one who has given us every good and perfect gift."