BIG Celebrates African American History Month

National African American History Month recognizes the extraordinary achievements of African Americans and their essential role in shaping the story of America. For centuries, African American men and women have persevered to enrich our national life and bend the arc of history toward justice. During National African American History Month, we celebrate the vast contributions of African Americans to our Nation's history and identity. In honor of their courage and contributions, let us resolve to carry forward together the promise of America for our children.

 

Presidential Proclamation --National African American History Month,2012

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.