This year’s Essence of a Man competition will allow three men to convey their talents and express themselves in ways that are unique among their peers.

Preston Smith, a sophomore biological sciences major and winner of the 2007 Essence of a Man competition, coordinated this year’s competition.

Smith said this year has more variety.

“There is different creative expressions – things that are out of the box,” he said. “Nobody is doing the same talent.”

The competition, which started in 2002 as a spin-off to the Ms. Black EIU competition, starts at 7 tonight in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union. The competition is sponsored by the Black Student Union and has a $3 admission fee.

In 2002, a couple of males on campus decided they also wanted to showcase their talent in a pageant setting like the Ms. Black EIU competition. Essence of a Man has three categories: talent, creative expression through a skit that conveys a message and impromptu formal wear.

The participants will be judged on the community service they have completed and their peers will vote for them in the “Viewers Choice Awards” category.

The contestants in the competition have prepared for the show since the beginning of October. Many have even taken their own personal time to get ready and showcase their individualism to their peers.

Steve Nwokocha, a sophomore nursing major, said he has spent a lot of time practicing for his talent that involves singing.

“It has taken a lot of time everyday,” he said. “I lost my voice for four days, so I had to slow down. I am ready now.”

Nwokocha said there is more to this competition besides entertainment.

“This is more than just entertainment but advertising for the next Essence of a Man next year,” he said.

Nwokocha said he hopes there will be better attendance than last year and to accomplish that, he said all three contestants must come together.

“The goal is to work together and critique each other,” he said. “Then people can come out and see how good we are and say ‘that was a really good show.'”

Kendall Jackson, a freshman family and consumer science major, is another contestant in the competition. He said he has a big surprise for the people who come and see him tonight.

“My talent is something out of the box,” he said.

Jackson said he grew up on learning not to lower one’s standards and always to maintain confidence.

“I am going to be bringing a lot of my individuality,” he said.

Jared Chuck, a freshman biology major and a contestant in the competition, said he decided to be a part of this event because he wanted his music to be heard.

“This is a great opportunity to entertain the people,” he said.

Chuck said he practices everyday.

“I walk through it in my head,” he said.

Chuck said he is excited about tonight and likes his chances of winning.

“My chances of winning are as good as anybody else,” he said.

Chuck said the meaning behind the competition is meant for someone who strives to be the best he can be.

“Essence of a man is a man who strives to better himself and his people,” he said.

Jessica Leggin can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmleggin@eiu.edu.