Civil Rights Leader Lowery Recovering From Hip Surgery

Civil rights icon the Rev. Joseph Lowery is recovering from surgery after fracturing his hip in a fall.

The Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute based at Clark Atlanta University posted an online statement saying that Lowery fell in his hotel room in Santa Barbara, California, on Sunday and underwent surgery the following day.

In Tuesday's statement, officials said Lowery was in California for a gala hosted by Oprah Winfrey to honor civil rights leaders. Officials say Lowery is now in rehabilitation and is resting comfortably with two of his daughters by his side.

Lowery helped the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and fought against racial discrimination. Lowery also gave the benediction at President Barack Obama's January 2009 inauguration.

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