Blacks In Government

Blacks In Government (BIG) is a nonprofit organization established in 1975 and incorporated in 1976 that serves as an advocate for equal opportunity, professional development, and empowerment primarily for African-American government employees across federal, state, and local levels in the United States. The organization also extends its support to others dedicated to justice and equity in government service.

History and Founding

BIG was founded by a small group of African-American employees within the Public Health Services division of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now the Department of Health and Human Services) at a facility in Rockville, Maryland. Initially, it aimed to address racially-related employment challenges faced by Black civil service workers in the federal government. However, recognizing that similar issues were prevalent among Black employees at state, county, and municipal government levels, BIG expanded its mission and incorporated as a nonprofit in the District of Columbia jurisdiction to serve a broader constituency[2][5].

Mission and Objectives

The core mission of Blacks In Government is to promote equity, excellence, and opportunity through advocacy, professional development, and empowerment of African-Americans and others committed to justice and equity in government employment. BIG functions as an employee support group and community resource that provides mechanisms for inclusion, growth, and advocacy, aiming to confront workplace and community issues affecting African-American public servants. The organization emphasizes the promotion of equity in all aspects of American life, excellence in public service, and opportunity for all Americans[1][5].

Programs and Activities

BIG conducts advocacy on behalf of Black government employees and organizes professional development initiatives. It historically hosted the National Training Institute (NTI), a key event for training and professional growth, although funding cuts in government training budgets led to the cancellation of the 2025 NTI event, with the organization looking to rebrand and strategize new ways to sustain its mission going forward[3].

Organizational Structure

Governed by a National Board of Directors and led by a National President, BIG operates through local chapters across the country, including long-standing units such as the EPA William D. Barber, Jr. Chapter. The organization relies primarily on volunteer membership and serves as a national network that unites African-American employees within public service sectors across various levels of government[1][4][5].

Impact and Recognition

Blacks In Government has played a significant role in addressing employment equity issues for African-Americans in public service for several decades, acting as a collective voice to promote justice and professional excellence. Its membership-driven advocacy and support initiatives have made it a notable organization within federal and local government communities dedicated to racial equity and employee development[4].

Note: This article is based on information verified through nonprofit databases and organizational statements as of 2025.

[1] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/62-1636971 [2] https://www.hhswdc.org [3] https://bignti.org [4] https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/blacks-in-government/ [5] https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/sites/static/files/2019-03/documents/big_synopsis.pdf