Blacks In Government (BIG) was conceived by employees of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare located in Rockville, Maryland in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976. The organization was viewed as essential to the Black civil service employee, based on a wide assortment of racially motivated problems faced by employees at this location. 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.

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 advocate for equal employment opportunities and conditions which affect Blacks to include, but not be limited to, those administrative and personnel selections, recruitments, placements, promotions, upward mobility initiatives, and other similar areas. BIG is comprised of chapters located throughout the country that are segmented within eleven regions.