2023 - 2024

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2023-2024

“In Memory Of BIG's Unforgotten Heroes 2023-2024”

2024 Presentation
Region II
Region III
Region IV
Region V
Region VI
Region VII
Region IX
Region XI

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Janie M. Mobley

Midtown-Manhattan Chapter

Janie M. Mobley

Midtown-Manhattan Chapter

Ms. Janie M. Mobley was a dedicated lifetime member of the Midtown Manhattan Chapter of Region II, while employed at the Department of Veterans Affairs, New York, NY. A faithful and committed BIG member, Ms. Mobley served as a National Delegate, Chapter Corresponding Secretary and Chapter Chaplain for 27 years. In addition, she was very active in new employee orientation, BIG recruitment efforts, and shared resources gained from annual BIG National Training Institutes. Ms. Mobley will be greatly missed by family, friends, and BIG colleagues.

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Chrstine Irene Bert

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Chapter

Don Franklin Bruce

Susquehanna Chapter

Don Franklin Bruce

Susquehanna Chapter

Don Franklin Bruce, a Gold Plus Life Member, attended his first National Conference in Georgia when his wife could not fly. He was impressed with the number of attendees and the way they conducted themselves. He was very supportive of the Susquehanna Chapter of Regions III.

Diana Davis

WSS ALLMECH Chapter

Diana Davis

WSS ALLMECH Chapter

Diana was a 33-year member of BIG. She became a Gold Plus member in 2012. A federal government employee for 38 years, she loved everything about BIG’s mission and supported it every chance she could. Diana worked at the National level, assisting the Nominations & Elections committees. In 2009, she served as the NTI Evaluation Chair and the Financial Secretary in Region III and was always ready to assist wherever it was needed. Ms. Davis served in every elected position in her chapter and was a great influence on others to join and participate in BIG.

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Jerome Gary Cooper

Port City Chapter

Jerome Gary Cooper

Port City Chapter

A charter member of the Pentagon Chapter of BIG, Retired Major General Jerome Gary Cooper became a Life member of Port City Chapter BIG upon his return to Alabama. Cooper joined the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was the first African American to ever command a Marine Corps Infantry Co. He earned a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry three times, and a Distinguished Service Medal. MG Cooper was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, served as the US Ambassador to Jamaica, was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, NAACP and 100 Black Men. His work with Port City Chapter included the Legislative Review and Program and Planning committees, keynote speaker at our Annual MLK Breakfast and supporting vital community activities.

Vera Gholston

CDC/ATSDR Chapter

Vera Gholston

CDC/ATSDR Chapter

There were many sides to Vera, all of which she encompassed fully in the way only she could. She was many things to many people, from a doting daughter to a caring mother whose love knew no bounds. She was a sister to many, including her own, and just as protective when needed. She was known for her wit and charm, her pension for purple, and a love of music in all its forms. To know Vera was to know the current of life that runs through us all, and the passion to embrace life and all the ways it could manifest itself.

Martha Yvonne Hannah

Kings Bay Area Chapter

Martha Yvonne Hannah

Kings Bay Area Chapter

Martha Yvonne Hannah was one of the charter members of the Kings Bay Area Chapter of Blacks In Government that started in 1992. Yvonne served as the first Chapter President for two terms, Chair of the Oratorical and Youth Committee, and 1996 National Training Conference Chair of the BIG Store. Yvonne travel throughout the state of Georgia, Southeast Region, and throughout the United States representing the Kings Bay Chapter. Her unique personality and leadership earned her a lot respect from many throughout the United States.

Earnestine Taylor Jones

Albany Area Chapter

Earnestine Taylor Jones

Albany Area Chapter

Earnestine Taylor Jones was a Gold Plus member of the Albany Area Chapter of BIG where she served as the Treasurer and Membership Chair for more than 13 years. For 29 years, she worked faithfully at the Marine Corps Logistics Base. She was a very committed member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, active in her community and truly lived by the principle of servant leadership. She was a dedicated member of the SOWEGA Council on Aging Advisory Council, the mentoring and scholarship program for current Monroe High School students, Toastmasters International, and President of the Indian Creek Residential Association.

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Carl J. Alexander

Progressive Chapter of Danville

Carl J. Alexander

Progressive Chapter of Danville

Carl J. Alexander was a founding member of Progressive Chapter of Danville (April 30, 1994 - March 22, 2024 ) serving as Chapter Vice President and Treasurer. He served in the US Army for 4 years and was a former Police Captain, retiring after 22years. Carl became the first African American Police Chief at the VA Illian Medical Center, Danville, IL from 1989 - 1999. Carl later became the first Black Police Chief for the City of Danville, IL from 1999 - 2007. Carl was married to M. Janet Alexander, BIG Chapter Regular member from April 1995 - until March 22, 2024.

Yolanda Brown-Harris

Columbus Area Chapter

Yolanda Brown-Harris

Columbus Area Chapter

Yolanda Brown-Harris served as a trailblazer entering the Women’s Army Corp (WAC) as a Private First Class (PFC) Military Truck Driver in December 1972. In 1997, she retired as a Master Sergeant and EEO Adviser before joining the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) as an EEO Specialist, retiring in 2011. On the national level, Yolanda served as the BIG National AE/EEO Chair, served on the National Legislative Committee, and as a National Delegates Sergeant-at-Arms. At Region V, she held positions as a Council Representative, Legislative Chair, Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. Yolanda also served as Chapter President and twice as Chapter Secretary.

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George Anthony Freeman

Greater New Orleans Chapter

George Anthony Freeman

Greater New Orleans Chapter

Mr. George Anthony Freeman became a member of Blacks in Government on July 25, 1997. On January 1, 2019, he became a Life Member. Before becoming a member of the Greater New Orleans BIG Chapter, Mr. Freeman was previously a member of the Dallas Metroplex Chapter, Region VI.

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Nathaniel "Nat" Scurry

BIG Greater Kansas City

Nathaniel "Nat" Scurry

BIG Greater Kansas City

Nathaniel Scurry, often known as Nat, was a BIG Life Member and esteemed leader, mentor, and friend to many. He worked in the Office of Civil Rights at the Environmental Protection Agency and received numerous awards and honors both at work and via civic and BIG engagement. He graduated from Clark Atlanta University and was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Mr. Scurry was immensely proud of his accomplishments, the small town in Florida in which he was raised, and his valiant service to this country. But most of all, he was proud of his family, his beloved wife Darlene of 48 years, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and cousins.

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Nadine Harris

Sun City Desert Chapter

Nadine Harris

Sun City Desert Chapter

Nadine was born on September 13, 1954 in Woodward, AL., the youngest eight children. She graduated from Lawson State Community College in 1974 with an AS Degree in Business Administration. Ms. Harris relocated to Los Angeles, CA May 1975 and started her Federal career with the Dept. of Veteran Affairs in West Los Angeles. Ms. Harris was very active in Blacks in Government as a member of the VA West Los Angeles Chapter and moved her membership to the Sun City Desert Chapter upon her relocation to Las Vegas, NV. She held the positions of Chapter Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Chapter Membership Committee Chair. At the Regional level Ms. Harris served as RIX Second Vice President. Ms. Harris made New Creation Outreach Ministries her home church October 21, 2012. Nadine is survived by her two son and one daughter, her grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lance Gordon Jones

Pacific Ocean Chapter

Lance Gordon Jones

Pacific Ocean Chapter

Mr. Lance Gordon Jones was born October 08, 1959, in Weirton, West Virginia. He graduated from Weirton High School and earned an associate degree from West Virginia Community College. Mr. Jones joined the Army and dedicated over 27 years of his life to serving his country, received numerous service awards, and retired in 2010. Hawaii became his permanent residence until his passing. Mr. Jones and his wife Halemia Culbreath, raised three daughters, and were blessed with one granddaughter, Mr. Jones was a regular member of the Pacific Ocean Chapter and a resolute supporter of Blacks In Government (BIG), never hesitating to pitch in to help family and friends. He coordinated the BIG Pacific Ocean Chapter’s activities such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. program and the Juneteenth festival.

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Ella Mae Brewer

Robert C. Weaver Chapter

Ella Mae Brewer

Robert C. Weaver Chapter

Ms. Ella Mae Brewer decorated civil servant held positions at the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) ACYF; and U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development where she was a BIG Life Member. She was an original charter member of the Robert C. Weaver HUD BIG Chapter. She served in several roles at the chapter level which included Chapter President, Vice President, RXI Delegate at Delegates Assembly for numerous years. She also served in leadership roles at the national level, as the National Assistant Treasurer and National Treasurer. Ms. Brewer was also a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Stewart Amatus Carrera

NOAA Chapter

Stewart Amatus Carrera

NOAA Chapter

It is with great sadness that Region XI announces the death of Stewart Carrera. Our beloved friend, coworker and dedicated NOAA BIG member passed away on January 23, 2024. Stewart joined the NOAA Chapter, BIG in 2008 and later became a dedicated lifetime member. Stewart supported and attended NOAA BIG’s Chapter events and was well known for his infectious laugh. Stewart will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Thaddeus Johnson Gaylord

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Chapter

Thaddeus Johnson Gaylord

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Chapter

We celebrate our BIG Colleague and Former Chapter Treasurer, Mr. Thaddeus Johnson Gaylord for a life well lived. After serving in the U.S. Army 806th Engineering Battalion in Fort Benning, Georgia, Thaddeus worked at the Pentagon and the Defense Mapping Agency as one of their first computer analysts. He later worked as a systems analyst contractor, retiring in 2006 and establishing a successful tax business. May he Rest in Peace.

Rev. Kenneth C. Jackson

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chapter

Rev. Kenneth C. Jackson

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chapter

In 1978, while working as a Section Leader in the Low-Level Waste Branch and Geology Branch at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), he. played a vital role in establishing the NRC Chapter Of Blacks In Government (BIG). He retired from the NRC in 1987 with 32 years of Federal service. After closing out his government career, Rev. Jackson expressed his call to preach and was ordained as a Baptist Minister in 1988 by the Mount Calvary Baptist Church. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC, in 1990.

Clifton Edward Moreland

NPIC Chapter

Clifton Edward Moreland

NPIC Chapter

Cliff worked at the Central Intelligence Agency/National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) from 1967 to 1999. While at the CIA, he served as the Black Affairs Program Manager and was successful in recruiting many students from various HBCUs. Cliff assisted in establishing NPIC's chapter of Blacks in Government (BIG) and attended BIG's many annual training conferences nationwide from its inception. For many years, he was part of the behind-the-scenes volunteer support team that arranged/provided the materials used by conference attendees, was a registrant, and received several awards for his dedication, diligence, and outstanding service, which was vital to BIG's mission.

Dr. G. Avery Wilson

Parlawn Chapter

Dr. G. Avery Wilson

Parlawn Chapter

We solemnly celebrate Dr. G. Avery Wilson’s extraordinary life and enduring impact. His dedication to BIG as a Gold Plus life member and revered past Parklawn Chapter president and past DYLA Alumni Association president profoundly shaped our community. His spiritual stewardship at The Church International inspired many. Author of ‘Getting Past the Past,’ devoted father, and champion for the underserved, his 30 for 30 Campaign to feed the homeless showcased immense compassion. His distinguished federal career started at the FDA and culminated as Director of Operations at HHS, reflecting his exceptional caliber. His legacy inspires purposeful living and passionate service.