Letter from the President
I am Alabama bred!
I am Spelman College fed!
And I am honored to be serving as the 15th National President of Blacks In Government (BIG).
Regarding BIG, I am simply humbled to be leading an organization that has been addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility long before those terms were in vogue, long before the Office of Personnel Management was asking federal employees if they felt valued, and long before the partnership for Public Service was ranking government agencies as the best places to work, including with regard to their diversity efforts And, as BIG quickly heads towards its 50th year as an organization, I am simply proud to be a part of such a rich legacy.
But I have to ask rhetorically where all of the time has gone?! Of course, that has a double meaning for me As BIG’s 15th National President, January 1, 2023, marked the beginning of my second term. And I must admit with the success we had in my first term even as the pandemic unfolded, there was a lot of pressure to keep the momentum going. But you know me, I am always up to the challenge, especially as I am surrounded by such committed and hard-working member volunteers and such stellar leadership
So, it is indeed my pleasure to present this 2023 Annual Corporate Report to show that the time has in fact been used both wisely and effectively In these brief yet concise pages, you will see how we continued to work diligently on behalf of our members to provide new programs, enhance existing programs, and protect and indeed increase the organization’s financial position
Respectfully Presented,
Honorable Shirley A Jones, Esq National President Blacks In Government, Inc
Letter from the Board of Directors Chair
I am happy to serve as your Twenty Fourth (24th) Chair of the Blacks In Government (BIG) National Board of Directors (NBoD).
The NBoD has been very busy reviewing, revising, and updating our policies and procedures to ensure BIG is operating efficiently and effectively. The NBoD determines the policy of the organization and has authority to undertake all appropriate actions requiring national attention and may exercise all powers specifically conferred or implied herein The NBoD has the fiduciary responsibility for directing the affairs of the organization in accordance with our Articles of Incorporation, National Constitution, Policy and Procedures Manual and Strategic Plan
As your NBoD Chair, I am committed to working collaboratively with the National President and the National Executive Committee to supplement their responsibilities for managing the day-to-day activities of the organization. Although BIG’s goals and objectives still remain the same, we are still faced with adapting to the ever-changing workforce dynamics as we continue to seek resources and opportunities to strengthen and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the Federal Government and provide our members with professional development to enhance their government careers.
BIG’s objectives remain our number one priority, being an advocate of equal opportunity and professional development for Black government employees at the local, state, and federal government levels, while being a member focused, world class enterprise recognized for excellence
Very Respectfully,
Honorable Katherine L Cage Chair, BIG National Board of Directors
Year in Review
In August 2023, Blacks In Government (BIG) conducted its 44th Annual National Training Institute (NTI) at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort in Washington, D C It was the 2nd face-to face NTI conducted since the virtual NTI in 2021 and was an outstanding success which not only exceeded attendance forecast but also many pre-pandemic NTI attendance numbers and revenues There were almost 2,100 total registrants and over 1,800 paid registrants with almost $2 4 million in gross NTI revenues representing a $1 34 million or 129% increase over 2022 The NTI accounted for 75% of BIG’s total revenue Our Corporate Sponsor partnerships are integral to our success as they accounted for almost $.6 million which was 18% of BIG’s overall revenue.
With the plans in full effect for the 2024 NTI, at the Tampa Convention Center, Florida, we are optimistic about matching or exceeding last year’s attendance and revenue. BIG is a member-based organization which is operated by a large volunteer workforce at the chapter, regional and national levels with extreme dedication to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. Funds generated by the NTI are used to fund member-based programs, information dissemination, advocacy and training opportunities which enhance personal and professional development and growth Investing in our members is a paramount performance objective for the BIG organization! We hope to see you in Tampa, Florida for the 45th Annual 2024 NTI August 12 – 15, 2024!
BIG’s 2023 Financial Team
Honorable B. Faye Stewart
Treasurer
Duane Hill
LaVolya Williams
Director Shirron Brown-Mills
2023 National Activities and Accomplishments
BIG’s Greatest Assets – Our Members
On June 10, 2023, we renamed our renovated 3 story national headquarters building on Georgia Ave NW in Washington, DC, the Gerard R Reed National Headquarters Building With a phenomenal dedication ceremony that spilled into the streets of Georgia Ave, we honored the memory of one of our beloved former National Presidents
But, even with that building as a great financial asset, our BIG member volunteers are our greatest assets Their efforts show their desire to not only advance their own careers but to make our agencies the model employers that the government should strive to be We are one of the largest non-union employee resource organizations in the country and through greater visibility and enhanced programming, we continue to bring in new federal, state, and local government employees as members
Civil Rights Activist Ella Jo Baker once said “You didn’t see me on television, you didn’t see news stories about me The kind of role that I tried to play was to pick up pieces or put together pieces out of which I hoped organization might come.” Like Ms. Baker, community organization is just what BIG has done through national, regional, and chapters servant leaders all around the country.
BIG’s Greatest Accomplishments - Promises Made, Promises Kept!
Our National Training Institute (NTI) is the centerpiece of our national efforts. As such, when our National President Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq., first took office in January 2021, she promised that we would not go another year without hosting the event after the pandemic prevented us from doing so in 2020 That promise was kept with our historic first ever virtual 42nd Annual NTI in 2021 with over 750 registrants And it was followed up with a return to in person learning with our 43rd Annual NTI in Cleveland, OH With strong leadership and solid agency support for employees who were eager to get back out for quality training and networking, we hosted over 1300 paid registrants and over 100 students for our Future Leaders in America's Government (FLAG) program and other youth programs Our return to in person learning in 2022 set the perfect stage for our 44th Annual NTI set for the Gaylord, National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD right outside of the nation’s capital
In 2023, once again, we proved the naysayers wrong Some believed that local BIG members in the Washington, D C area would not be excited about the 44th Annual NTI at the Gaylord because no travel was involved Yet others believed agency budget cuts would impact those members outside of the DC area who did need to travel. Well, we put those myths to rest. Through outreach efforts early in the year to agency heads and other promotional efforts including our first use of the WHOVA app, we drew in over 2200 paid registrants! And the attendees arrived to dynamic workshops, special emphasis programs, speed mentoring, and shadowing opportunities. We had over 150 booths in our exhibit hall full of unique vendors and agency booths for our career fair. And let’s not forget the phenomenal health and wellness efforts including mobile health units and the revival of the Legislative Luncheon, an event we had not hosted since 2009. We left Cleveland in 2022 saying “The Cle” didn’t owe us a thing. Well, we left the Gaylord in 2023 knowing that they had rolled out the red carpet for us literally!
By all accounts, the 2023 training was simply magnificent. From Pathways to the SES sessions, to appropriations law training for budget professionals, to IT and communications sessions, the training offered valuable courses for every career track The training was in fact dollar for dollar the best training in government
Of course, we didn’t stop there We left the Gaylord with more to do and more to prove We continued efforts to increase our membership, provide the support our chapters need, and continued efforts to increase BIG’s positive visibility We also rolled out our new modernized website with greater functionality
Importantly, we continued to protect and increase BIG’s financial position We sure hope it isn’t lost on anyone that BIG survived the pandemic when other nonprofits and for-profit businesses could not But we did better than survive We have had record setting corporate sponsorship and three phenomenally financial NTIs in a row! We also continued to grow additional revenue streams through our online BIG store and rental space in our headquarters building
BIG’s Greatest Give Back – Our Future Leader’s In America’s Government Program (FLAG)
The 2023 FLAG National Youth Leadership Summit held in conjunction with the NTI was a resounding success. The 2023 theme, " Accept the Challenge, Exceed the Standard through Professional and Leadership Development " guided a comprehensive program that offered agency and congressional tours, speed mentoring, workshops, panel discussions, and activities focused on helping students explore various career options, navigate the application process, and understand workplace expectations Over 130 students were in attendance representing schools from across the country representing the following FLAG programsAlcorn State, Alabama State, Boston University, North Central College Illinois, Prairie View University, Stillman, Tuskegee University, North Carolina A&T, Wilberforce University, Columbus Area Chapter, New York Elite, Prince Georges County, Steelton-Highspire Neighboring Academy, VA HQ, VA Virtual
Led by FLAG Coordinator Honorable Kathy Best, FLAG Founder former National President Honorable J David Reeves, and their team of FLAG member volunteers, the summit had very clear objectives:
Help students discover a wide range of career opportunities in the field of public service
Introduce students to accomplished leaders and Subject Matter Experts in the realm of Public Service
Identify qualities of Leadership Excellence by learning from esteemed leaders across diverse government sectors.
Understand and grasp workplace expectations effectively.
Offer avenues for nurturing and broadening their leadership skills through interactive workshops.
Create opportunities for students to establish connections with potential mentors
Of course, throughout the year, our FLAG Chapters all across the country were engaged and active leading up to the NTI. Activities included weekly after school programs, educational webinars featuring a wide range of speakers, community service projects, and scholarship opportunities.
BIG’s Supporting Partners – Building Coalitions
Through the efforts of our National President, we continued collaborations with the African American Federal Executives Association (AAFEA), the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA), Federally Employed Women (FEW), National Image, the Society for American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE), the World Conference of Mayors, and several other organizations Through those collaborations we continued to discuss cross cutting government wide initiatives
We also grew our collaborations with agency partners For the 2023 NTI, we were proud to have the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) return as our largest agency mission partner, this time as a Title Sponsor Through the partnership, EPA again sent a large contingent of employees to the training while hosting six booths in the Exhibit Hall Career Fair to expose government employees and our FLAG students to the important work that EPA does
We also continued our important collaboration with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to host virtual training throughout the year and to support our EEO Institute held during the NTI. The EEOC approved our 2023 EEO Institute as meeting the requirements of refresher training identified in EEOC Management Directive 110.
We have also built a phenomenal coalition with the Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA) in support of our FLAG program. As our longest tenured Title Sponsor WAEPA has not only put its money where its mouth is, but Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shane Canfield and his team have also rolled up their sleeves to provide manpower and brainpower to support our FLAG chapters all around the country and especially the centerpiece FLAG Leadership Summit held during the NTI
Lastly, we continued our collaboration with Morgan State University for our Darlene Young Leadership Academy (DYLA) Celebrating 16 years in 2023 with ten of those years with Morgan State, we continued to grow leaders through the program led by DYLA Coordinator Honorable Johnny Barideaux and a team of phenomenal coaches and advisors at the helm The historic Morgan State, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research institution that BIG is honored to collaborate with We greatly appreciate the leadership of Dr Nilajah Sims who leads Morgan’s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies
BIG’s Future – What’s in Store
BIG’s 45th Annual NTI will take place at the Tampa, FL Convention Center in 2024. We are simply ecstatic about the BIG business, training, and community service that will take place there. But, in case you’re wondering why we didn’t pull out of Tampa, we would like to address the elephant in the room. Of course, considerable discussion was had at the 2023 Delegates Assembly annual business meeting with the chapter delegates ultimately deciding to honor the contractual commitment that we made to the three Tampa hotels and the Tampa Convention Center. But, more importantly we decided to honor our commitment to advocacy. While we totally respect the decisions of some organizations not to go to Florida, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Tampa 2024), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Tampa 2023), Buffalo Soldiers (Tampa 2023) the Prince Hall Shriners (Tampa 2023), and other black organizations by concluding that we would have more impact going to Florida and leaving a BIG footprint In fact, we believe very strongly that we would not have impacted Florida or its politics not one bit by cancelling But, importantly, as a 501(c) (3) we are not going to Florida to play politics Rather, we are going to provide the premier career development training that we are known for while super-sizing the community service projects we have planned there not just in the Convention Center but literally out in the community
With the decision made regarding our 45th Annual NTI, we have also turned our attention to a very important milestone coming up on the horizon Since 1975, BIG has served as a beacon of solidarity and empowerment, uniting African American public servants nationwide around common concerns and leveraging collective strength to effect positive change in workplaces and communities. Guided by its core principles of equity, excellence, and opportunity, BIG has been instrumental in advocating for fairness, fostering professional development, and advancing the interests of Black Americans in public service. As we initiate efforts to commemorate BIG’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, we are planning a series of events and activities designed to honor past achievements, engage current members, and inspire future generations of public servants.
The Conclusion
Muhammad Ali once said “It ain’t bragging if you can back it up ” And we backed it up!
BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® HISTORY
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 (HEW) 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
BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
BIG FUNCTIONS AS an employee support group, as an advocacy group, and a resource group for Black civil servants:
To be an advocate of equal opportunity for Blacks in government 1
To eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination against Blacks in government 2
To promote professionalism among Blacks in government. 3.
To develop and promote programs which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities for Blacks in government. 4.
To establish a mechanism for gathering and disseminating information for Blacks in government 5.
To provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional, and national significance that affect Blacks in government 6
2023 Regional Leadership and Accomplishments
All across the country BIG members and chapters combined together under the umbrella of BIG’s eleven Regional Councils to provide both virtual and in person training throughout the year and to impact their surrounding communities From hosting Regional Training Conferences and Leadership Summits, managing our FLAG chapters, hosting youth STEM and oratorical competitions, serving in soup kitchen and community pantries, conducting clothing drives for local veterans and purchasing winter coats and school supplies for underprivileged children, our eleven Regions have given generously of their time and of their abilities
Our elevens Regions are as follows:
Region I - Covering Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont
2023 Council President Dan Corria
Region II - Covering New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands
2023 Council President Dominique Steward
Region III - Covering Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia
2023 Council President Dr Lynwood Townsend
Region IV- Covering Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee
2023 Council President Honorable Alice Mercer
Region V - Covering Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
2023 Council President Adrianne M Callahan
Region VI – Covering Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
2023 Council President Carmelita Pope Freeman; Honorable Shelly Warren
Region VII – Covering Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
2023 Council President Clifton Jones
2023 Regional Leadership and Accomplishments
Region VIII – Covering Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
2023 Council President Michelle Blackmon
Region IX – Covering Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa
2023 Council President Dinah Godspeed
Region X – Covering Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
2023 Council President Patricia Ly
Region XI – Covering District of Columbia, Charles County, Maryland; Montgomery County, Maryland; Prince George’s County, Maryland; Alexandria City, Virginia; Fairfax City, Virginia; Falls Church, Virginia; Arlington City, Virginia; Loudon County, Virginia; Prince Williams County, Virginia
2023 Council President Stephan Matthews
Pictured left to right: Wendy Gray DHS Chapter President, Shirley A. Jones. Esq. Blacks In Government President, Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Securtiy2023 National Training Institute, National Harbor
left to right: Pam Richards, FEW National President, Trya Dent, AAFEA President, Shirley A. Jones, Esq. Blacks In Government President, Unknown, Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Director and Chief Diversity Officer, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, U.S. House of Representatives, United States Congress, Unknown.
Pictured left to right: Ms. Jozetta Robinson, Director Executive Secretariat, Office of Secretary, U.S. Department of HUD, First Black Major General Janeen Birckhead, 31st Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard
Pictured left to right: National President
Pictured
