Dr. Neiunna Reed-Jones
President
JASON LEWIS
Vice President
Legislative Review Chair
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KLARA JENKINS
Treasurer
Fund Raising
Dr. Wilda Parker-Collins
Secretary
ANTHONY LEE
-Financial Secretary
-Regional Representative
-Employment Opportunity (AE/EEO) Chair
Lorenzo Edwards
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Regional Representative
DR. CONTRESS BRAXTON
Regional Representative
ABOUT US
Blacks In Government® (BIG) was established in 1975 by a small group of African Americans at the Public Health Services which is a part of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) in the Parklawn Building in Rockville, Maryland. At the time, the organization was viewed as essential to the black HEW employees who faced a wide range of racially motivated problems. Initially, it was thought that the organization would address only the problems at of federal employees, however, it was soon determined that black employees in state, county, and municipal government faced the same general employment issues.
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Blacks In Government incorporated as a non-profit organization in the District of Columbia in 1976. Since that time, BIG has responded nationally 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.
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BIG is recognized HHS and FDA Employee Resource Group (ERG). ERGs have a pivotal role in developing HHS and FDA’s diversity initiatives. They also provide important contributions to FDA’s newly established diversity council. Our chapter serves a pivotal role with HHS and the FDA Employee Resource Group (ERG) to develop and implement diversity, inclusion, and equality initiatives. We also provide important contributions to FDA’s newly established diversity council.
Our chapter serves a pivotal role with HHS and the FDA Employee Resource Group (ERG) to develop and implement diversity, inclusion, and equality initiatives. We also provide important contributions to FDA’s newly established diversity council.
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The Parklawn Chapter of BIG is the founding chapter of the BIG organization. The chapter works diligently to carry out the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of BIG through:
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Participation in local, regional and national BIG events.
Community Involvement (i.e. mentoring, community service, volunteerism)
Advocacy on issues important to the BIG constituency (i.e. fair and equitable treatment of all employees.)
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COMMUNICATIONS & Public Relations
2023 PARKLAWN CHAPTER OF BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEES
Sapphire Marc-Harris
Dr. Cherry Collier
Dr. Contress Braxton
Jason Lewis
Finance
Ian Robinson-Chair
Dr. G. Avery Wilson
HEALTH EDUCATION & AWARENESS
Robin Waller
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Klara Jenkins-Chair
Danny Wade
Program and Planning Committee
Lorenzo Edwards-Chair
Dr. Contress Braxton
Legislative Review
Jason Lewis-Chair
Anthony Lee
Affirmative Employment/Equal Employment Opportunity (AE/EEO) Committee
Anthony Lee-Chair
Dr. Neiunna Reed-Jones
BIG PURPOSE: An advocate of equal opportunity and professional development for Black government employees of local, county, state and federal government; and others dedicated to justice for all.
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BIG VISION: Member focused, world class enterprise, recognized for excellence.
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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.
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 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
MEETING INFORMATION
BIG Parklawn Meetings
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General Body Meeting
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The BIG Parklawn Chapter Body meetings usually are every 3rd Thursday of every month.
One tap mobile:
US: +16692545252,,1618335186#,,,,*5422535818# or +16468287666,,1618335186#,,,,*5422535818#
Meeting URL:
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Meeting ID:
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