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BIG PARKLAWN CHAPTER

A Blacks In Government Chapter 

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Dr. Neiunna Reed-Jones 

President

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JASON LEWIS 

Vice President 

Legislative Review Chair 

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KLARA JENKINS 

Treasurer 

Fund Raising

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Dr. Wilda Parker-Collins

 Secretary 

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ANTHONY LEE

-Financial Secretary

-Regional Representative 

-Employment Opportunity (AE/EEO) Chair

Lorenzo Edwards

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Regional Representative

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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

 Supreme Court

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

In a Meeting

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. 


Join Zoom Meeting

One tap mobile:

US: +16692545252,,1618335186#,,,,*5422535818# or +16468287666,,1618335186#,,,,*5422535818#

Meeting URL:

https://fda.zoomgov.com/j/1618335186?pwd=L3hUY3psaS94OU5xeWZZSW1qVCtYUT09

Meeting ID:

161 833 5186

Passcode:

Parklawn#1

Join by Telephone

For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location.

Dial:


US: +1 669 254 5252 or +1 646 828 7666 or +1 551 285 1373 or +1 669 216 1590 or 833 568 8864 (Toll Free)

Meeting ID:

161 833 5186

Passcode:

5422535818

International numbers

Join from an H.323/SIP room system

H.323:

161.199.138.10 (US West)
161.199.136.10 (US East)

Meeting ID:

161 833 5186

Passcode:

5422535818

SIP:

1618335186@sip.zoomgov.com

Passcode:

5422535818

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