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 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. It was incorporated in 1979 and held its first national training conference in 1979.

BIG's purpose is to be an advocate of equal opportunity to African Americans in government and that's in the local, state and federal sector. Yes, BIG has members that are state, local, and county government employees and we are happy to have a few in our Chapter. We also promote professionalism and develop programs that will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities for all government workers. BIG strives for equality in all aspects of American life, excellence in public service, and opportunity for all Americans.