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.
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.
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.
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:
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.)
ANTHONY LEE
President
Affirmative Employment/Equal Employment Opportunity (AE/EEO) Chair
JASON LEWIS
Vice President
Legislative Review Chair
KLARA JENKINS
Treasurer
Fund Raising
CRYSTAL BUFFERT
Secretary
ANNETTE NELSON
Financial Secretary
HELEN ROBINSON
Regional Representative
DR. CONTRESS BRAXTON
Regional Representative
2022 PARKLAWN CHAPTER OF BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEES
AGENCY DIVERSITY COUNCIL LIAISON REPORTS
-HRSA – Sapphire Marc-Harris
-HHS Employee Resource Group - Vacant
-HHS Diversity Council –Anthony Lee
-FDA Employee Resource Group – Anthony Lee
COMMUNICATIONS
Sapphire Marc-Harris
FUND RAISING
Denice Matthews
Dr. G. Avery Wilson
HEALTH EDUCATION & AWARENESS
Robin Waller
HOSPITALITY
Dr. Contress Braxton
MEMBERSHIP
Klara Jenkins
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Dr. G. Avery Wilson
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.
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.
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
General Body Meeting
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:
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
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:
Passcode:
5422535818