The widow of slain Civil Rights organizer Medgar Evers will deliver the invocation at President Obama’s inauguration. Myrlie Evers-Williams is believed to be the first woman, and layperson other than clergy, to deliver the prayer that precedes the ceremonial oath of office, [according to The Washington Post.](http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/inauguration/medgar-evers-widow-to-deliver-invocation-at-obama-inauguration/2013/01/07/293904e2-592e-11e2-88d0-c4cf65c3ad15_story.html) The president’s inaugural planners also [announced Cuban-American Richard Blanco will be the 2013 inaugural poet. ](http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/01/gay_cuban-american_poet_richard_blanco_to_read_at_obamas_inauguration.html) The inaugural ceremony will take place on Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.