BLOOMINGTON - The selection of Barack Obama as president Tuesday could inspire people in McLean County and other places to work on issues that affect race relations, according to the head of the Bloomington Branch of the NAACP.

"Many folks will feel inspired to achieve the American dream and protect that dream," said local NAACP President Mike Williams.

Young people in particular may be energized by the election of the nation's first black president.

"He really renews the hope in the American dream, that anyone can accomplish what they want to accomplish with hard work and determination," said Williams.

Illinois State University student Keisha Spiller was still sporting her Obama T-shirt the morning after the historic election. She said she's looking forward to a leader who understands what it's like to succeed despite economic and family hardships.

"Obama knows what it's like to struggle with things like finding the money to go to school. He's going to try do things for this class of people," said the junior from Champaign.

A variety of social issues that play a role in racial tension in many communities will have a priority in an Obama administration, Williams said.

"America has spoken: no more status quo. We need to look at economic disparities. We need to look at poverty, jobs," he said.

Obama's background, which includes being raised by a grandmother, has special significance for many Americans, said Williams.

"Obama is America. He has experienced all the things the common American has experienced," said the NAACP leader.

The new president's efforts to address social issues may face opposition, observed Aaron Cooper, an ISU student from Champaign. There remain political factions that have different views on how to resolve economic and social issues, he said.

"The split could get worse," he said.

But Cooper added that he has high confidence in Obama's ability to bring the best and brightest to the new administration.

"He understands because he's been there. He's an African-American who's experienced racism. It won't happen overnight. It just takes time for things to change," said Cooper.