Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan delivers his annual Saviour’s Day speech today. It’s his first public appearance in a year.

“The Gods at War” is the title Farrakhan’s speech. The message is directed at guiding youth. Nation Minister Ishmael Muhammad says that’s the theme because of gang and youth violence.

MUHAMMAD: We all are well familiar with the violence that is in the streets, and the incidents of violence that is taking place in high school and into college campus.

Farrakhan will give the speech live at McCormick Place Convention Center. Organizers expect 20,000 people.

The minister, who turns 75 in May, has battled prostate cancer. In the fall of 2006, Farrakhan announced he was turning over the daily operations of the Chicago-based Nation of Islam to an executive committee because of medical problems related to his illness.

I’m Natalie Moore, Chicago Public Radio.