BIG History
Blacks In Government
History
In Honor of Our Founders
Blacks In Government® (BIG) was established in 1975 and incorporated in 1976 by a small group of African Americans at the Public Health Services which is a part of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare in the Parklawn building in Rockville, Maryland. The organization was viewed as essential to the Black civil service employee, based on a wide assortment of racially motivated problems faced by the HEW Black employees in Rockville.
Initially, it was thought that the umbrella organization would address only the problems at the Federal level. However, it was soon determined that State, County, and Municipal Black employees were faced with the same general type of employment problems.
Nonetheless, Blacks In Government® was organized in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976. BIG has been a national response to the need for African Americans in public service to organize around issues of mutual concern and use their collective strength to confront workplace and community issues. BIG’s goals are to promote EQUITY in all aspects of American life, EXCELLENCE in public service, and OPPORTUNITY for all Americans.
BIG National Constitution
JANUARY 1, 2023
Preamble
We believe that Blacks in government should have the opportunity for full, complete and equitable access to jobs, education, advancement, housing and health services, and that they must have recourse in adverse situations without discrimination because of race.
Therefore, we, the members of Blacks In Government (BIG), in order to act as an advocate for the employment and general welfare of Blacks employed in Federal, State and local governments and to establish a national network of Black Federal, State and local government employees, do hereby establish this constitution for a national organization of Blacks in government.
We further believe that Blacks should unite in order to obtain and secure the rights and privileges of full citizenship participation. It is necessary to develop a mechanism for inclusion, growth and power for all present and future Black employees in Federal, State and local governments.
Therefore, we, the members of Blacks In Government (BIG), in order to act as an advocate for the employment and general welfare of Blacks employed in Federal, State and local governments and to establish a national network of Black Federal, State and local government employees, do hereby establish this constitution for a national organization of Blacks in government.
Article I
Section 1
The name of this organization shall be Blacks In Government (BIG).
Section 2
The seal of the organization shall be in the form of two concentric circles and shall bear the words “Blacks In Government” inscribed in the space between the inner and outer circle and/or the letters BIG inscribed in the space inside the inner circle.
Article II
Section 1
To be an advocate of equal opportunity for Blacks in government.
Section 2
To eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination against Blacks in government.
Section 3
To promote professionalism among Blacks in government.
Section 4
To establish a mechanism for the gathering and dissemination of information to Blacks in government.
Section 5
To provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional, and national significance that affect Blacks in government.
Download BIG 2022
National Constitution
National Constitution Of Blacks
In Government ® (BIG)
Preamble
We believe that Blacks in government should have the opportunity for full, complete and equitable access to jobs, education, advancement, housing and health services, and that they must have recourse in adverse situations without discrimination because of race.
We further believe that Blacks should unite in order to obtain and secure the rights and privileges of full citizenship participation. It is necessary to develop a mechanism for inclusion, growth and power for all present and future Black employees in Federal, State and local governments.
Therefore, we, the members of Blacks In Government ® (BIG), in order to act as an advocate for the employment and general welfare of Blacks employed in Federal, State and local governments and to establish a national network of Black Federal, State and local government employees, do hereby establish this constitution for a national organization of Blacks in government.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- To be an advocate of equal opportunity for Blacks in government.
- To eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination against Blacks in government.
- To promote professionalism among Blacks in government.
- To develop and promote programs which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities for Blacks in government.
- To establish a mechanism for gathering and disseminating information for Blacks in government.
- To provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional and national significance that affect Blacks in government.
BIG PURPOSE
An advocate of equal opportunity and professional development for Black government employees at the Local, State and Federal government levels and others dedicated to justice for all.
BIG VISION
Member focused, world class enterprise, recognized for excellence.
BIG MISSION
Enable all present and future Black employees in Local, State, and Federal governments to have the ability to maximize their career opportunities and provide a mechanism for inclusion, growth and advocacy.
BIG GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Be Accountable
- Commit to Excellence
- Act with Integrity
- Take Responsibility
- Work As A Team
- Remain Loyal and Dedicated
