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Rev. Silvester Beaman, a graduate of Wilberforce University, the nation's first, private HBCU, will deliver the benediction at the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Wednesday, January 20th.
Beaman, a native of Niagara Falls, New York, has pastored Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware for more than 25 years. As a close friend and confidant of, and spiritual advisor to the Biden family, Beaman was asked to deliver the prayer by President-elect Biden.
Introduced to each other by Joe Biden, the President-elect's deceased older son Beau and Beaman were good friends. The minister prayed with the younger Biden before his overseas Army deployment and during his fight against brain cancer.
Beaman credits the elder Biden with helping him navigate the political arena in Wilmington when he began his pastoral duties at Bethel AME in 1993. He says his benediction will focus on diversity, inclusion, and healing the nation.
"I am proud to represent God, my family and my alma mater, Wilberforce University." - Rev. Silvester Beaman
Beaman is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Wilberforce University was founded in 1856 and is the nation's oldest, private, historically black college (HBCU). Located in Greene County, Ohio near Dayton, the four year, accredited university is a member of the United Negro College Fund, the LINK Library Consortium and the NAIA Athletic Conference. According to HBCU.com, Wilberforce is one of the top five HBCUs in the Midwest.