The Black Student Union held a meeting Tuesday evening to present candidates for the 2004-’05 executive board.

DuJuan Smith, Student Association treasurer-elect, and Lonnie “Yogi” Pollard, a senior business management major, are running for BSU president.

Running without opponents for vice president, treasurer and secretary are Conicia Jackson, a sophomore political science major; Alexis Westbrook, a junior finance major; and Elizabeth Jackson, a junior early childhood studies major, respectively. All are running on Smith’s ticket.

Senior philosophy major Rachel Powe facilitated the meeting. Each candidate expressed his or her views on issues and specific visions for the BSU for next year.

Pollard listed his past involvement and awards he received at NIU. He also expressed his obligation to the NIU community.

“I have dedicated a great portion of my life to reaching out and advocating for the community here at NIU,” Pollard said. He said he would like to address membership concerns such as the number of BSU meetings and increased participation with the Lifeline Newspaper.

Smith also voiced concerns. He said he wants BSU member to become more active.

Smith also said he would like to add positions to the executive board. He also would like to develop a BSU yearbook to highlight the events of organizations associated with BSU. He also suggested implementing a BSU orientation program.

“I am in love with this organization,” Smith said. “Serving the black community is my passion.”

Conicia Jackson said as the vice president of the BSU, she would like to set up round-table meetings for all the presidents of organizations associated with the BSU. She said she would like to foster networking among the organizations.

Westbrook said she would like to restructure the BSU treasury. Also, Westbrook said she would like to start a fundraising committee to help the DeKalb High School Black Student Union.

Elizabeth Jackson said she would like to restructure the secretary position. She would like to make all correspondence digital and said she would like to be the “hub of communication” between students and organizations.

Sharina Ware, current president of the BSU, said she wishes both presidential candidates luck and encourages them to use prayer as a means to execute their positions.

“This position is a huge responsibility,” she said. “A lot rests in their hands.”