The Presidential Inaugural Ceremony will be historical in many respects. In addition to the swearing in of the first African-American for a second term, participants will reflect on the growing diversity of America.
America is now 17 percent Hispanic, 14 percent African American, 6 percent Asian American, and 5 percent Native American.
In addition to the Obama Inaugural Festivities being co-chaired by Eva Longoria, a well-known Latina, the Presidential Inaugural Committee recently announced that Richard Blanco has been tapped as the poet to write and deliver the commissioned inaugural poem. Blanco will be the first Hispanic homosexual to do so. And, he will also be the youngest poet to be chosen.
Another historic choice is that of Myrlie Evers-Williams to deliver the invocation. She is the widow of slain civil rights activist Medgar Evers. Myrlie Evers-Williams will deliver the prayer 50 years after her husband was killed in front of their home in Jackson, Mississippi. Evers-Williams provided leadership as the chairwoman for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1995-1998.
And as only history can choreograph and orchestrate the timing of seminal events, the second inauguration will be held on Martin Luther King, Jr Day.
Even the first casualty of the inaugural ceremony, Rev. Louis Giglio, ironically represents the diversity of America. Giglio, pastor of Atlanta's Passion City Church was chosen to deliver the benediction for President Obama's swearing-in. However, Giglio has withdrawn because of anti-gay comments made during a sermon, delivered in the 1990’s.
Obama had said that Evers-Williams and Giglio represent ideals of justice, equality, and opportunity that he pursues, when their roles were announced. No doubt, a good representative will be found to replace Giglio.
We wait in anticipation to view the full tapestry of the Presidential Inaugural in the coming days. We are confident that at the end of the day, all Americans will have felt represented
But the real hope is that after the inaugural ceremony is over, when we get back to the daily and noble tasks of making this country the best that it can be, that we will remember, respect, and appreciate the contributions of all — irrespective of their race, gender, religious, or political affiliation.
There is much to be done to make America better and we all have a role to play. The Presidential Inaugural Ceremony will be a great renewal.