Farrakhan: Don't let Obama energy die

Nation of Islam holds annual convention in a Chicago suburb

	Minister Louis Farrakhan addresses the Saviours Day Convention in Rosemont, Ill., on Sunday.
Charles Rex Arbogast / AP

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updated 7:37 p.m. ET March 1, 2009

ROSEMONT, Ill. - Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said President Barack Obama has ignited an unprecedented energy among people, and he urged followers to not let it die.

Farrakhan said Nation of Islam members must accept responsibility to build communities. He said an economic stimulus package alone won't save America.

The 75-year-old delivered a speech Sunday to thousands attending the movement's annual convention in a Chicago suburb.

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References to the Obamas were everywhere at the two-day convention, from Farrakhan's keynote address to a session called the "Michelle Obama Effect" to a bazaar selling Obama T-shirts.

The Nation of Islam religion has embraced black nationalism since it was founded in the '30s but it also has moved to include other groups including Latinos and Asians.

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