As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to explore the rich history, achievements, and impact of Blacks In Government (BIG). Established in  1975 and incorporated in 1976, BIG was founded by a small group of African Americans at the Public Health Service, part of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, located in the Parklawn building in Rockville, Maryland. The organization emerged as an essential response to the racially motivated challenges faced by Black civil service employees in Rockville.

Initially, it was believed that BIG would focus solely on addressing issues at the federal level. However, it quickly became clear that Black employees at the state, county, and municipal levels were encountering similar employment challenges. Thus, BIG was organized as a national response to the need for African Americans in public service to unite around shared concerns and harness 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.