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    Blacks In Government Extending its Donation Program

Blacks In Government (BIG) is extending its donation program. Members are
invited to become BIG Member Sponsors. At this year's National Training
Institute (NTI) we received our first member donation from Immediate Past
President, Honorable J. David Reeves. As our first BIG Member Bronze
Sponsor, Honorable Reeves challenged all members to join him in supporting
the programs, services, and initiatives of our great organization. Donations
can be made by completing our BIG 2015/2016 Member Donation Agreement form.
 
 All donors will be recognized during the National President Reception that takes place during our Annual National Training Institute that will be held August 22-25, 2016 in Atlantic City, NJ.
 
If you have questions concerning our new Member Donation initiative, please contact the National Corporate Sponsorship Chair, Honorable Dr. Doris Sartor at 202-439-2483. As always, Thank you for Thinking BIG.

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                Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies)

Each fall, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service presents the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) to celebrate the unsung heroes in our nation's federal workforce. I invite you to join me in nominating the best and brightest in your agency for the 2016 Sammies.  The very act of nominating someone is a meaningful way to show appreciation for a colleague who is doing outstanding work.

 Nominations may be submitted online at servicetoamericamedals.org through January 15, 2016. Here you'll find complete details about the program, including eligibility requirements and profiles of past honorees. 

Over the past fifteen years, the Partnership has honored hundreds of exceptional individuals and teams throughout our civil service, shining a spotlight on the creativity and determination that federal employees bring to bear in addressing our nation's greatest challenges. 

I am truly honored to work with so many talented and dedicated civil servants and am proud to help celebrate your many inspiring accomplishments on behalf of the American people. 

Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) flyer attached that can be used for promotional purposes.

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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.

                               GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To be an advocate of equal opportunity for Blacks in government.

2. To eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination against Blacks in government.

3. To promote professionalism among Blacks in government.

4. To develop and promote programs which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities for Blacks in government.

5.To establish a mechanism for gathering and disseminating information for Blacks in government.

6. 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

1. Be Accountable

2. Commit to Excellence

3. Act with Integrity

4. Take Responsibility

5. Work As A Team

6. Remain Loyal and Dedicated



 

 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
 
On this Veterans Day, Blacks In Government salutes our Veterans and extend our gratitude for their service. They are our members, relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers. These individuals committed to a cause larger than their own and accepted the challenge to defend our Nation.
Our Veterans put everything on the line to protect our freedom. We may never be able to repay them for their sacrifice, but we can show them just how much we appreciate all that they've done. Everyone can do something to let Veterans know how much we appreciate their service.
                            Visit http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/veterans-day/

It takes great courage for a soldier to risk life and limb for his/her country and as civilians we must honor these heroes. This is the basis of the Veterans Day celebration.
 
Honor these great men and women with words of appreciation.
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
 
 
 
 
 
Click the link below to hear the Bebe Winans song:
 
 
                                      The History of Veterans Day
 
November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson honored the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations..."

In 1954, Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, struck out the word "Armistice" and inserted the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Between 1968 and 1975, Veterans Day was moved around on the calendar, sometimes even appearing on the last Monday of October. Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.