About BIG

History of National BIG Organization

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.

Purpose of Organization

BIG functions as a knowledgeable, problem-identifying and solving organization for Black Civil servants. It is dedicated to: (1) establishing and operating socio-economic, political, and cultural programs which enhance the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for Blacks; (2) eradicating all vestiges of unlawful treatment towards Blacks; (3) eliminating institutionalized racism which oppresses Blacks and violates barriers to full and equal citizenship for Blacks; (4) encouraging pride and motivation in Blacks so as to promote achievement of full potential and recognition of societal contributions; (5) sponsoring a national effort to promote the well-being, education, and professional development of Blacks; (6) acting as an advocate for equal employment opportunities and conditions which affect Blacks. BIG is comprised of chapters located throughout the country and overseas that are segmented within eleven regions.

The Huntsville-Madison County chapter belongs to Region IV.