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 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.

The National Organization of BIG is divided into eleven regions. The Purpose of the regional council is to implement the goals, policies and objectives of Blacks In Government as set forth in the National Constitution. The Regional XI  Council represents all Chapters located in the Washington Metropolitan Area: District of Columbia, Charles County, MD, Montgomery County, MD, Prince Georges County, MD, Alexandria, VA, Arlington County, VA, Fairfax City, VA, Fairfax County, VA, Falls Church, VA, Loudoun County, VA, Prince William County, VA.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chapter of BIG is a member of Region XI. Over the years, the number of chapters of BIG has grown. Today, NOAA BIG is one of more than fifty Blacks In Government chapters in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and more than two hundred chapters nationally. 

Pioneering Equity Since 1994

In late 1993, Ruth Johnson—a visionary, civil rights-focused employee with the National Marine Fisheries Service—saw the need for a dedicated advocacy network for Black federal public servants at NOAA. Her proactive efforts laid the framework for our chapter, resulting in official recognition from NOAA Administrator Dr. D. James Baker on February 28, 1994. Ms. Johnson proudly served as our founder and first president.

Setting the Standard for Excellence

Today, the NOAA Chapter of BIG holds a highly respected place of honor. We are widely acknowledged as a pioneer among NOAA employee organizations, consistently paving the way by:

• Forging Strong Partnerships: Setting the blueprint for how employee organizations successfully collaborate with sponsoring agencies.

• Driving Proactive Change: Leading the charge in executing strategic goals and securing vital support for key programs and activities.

• Championing the Workforce: Serving as an unwavering advocate for the professional growth, equity, and well-being of all NOAA employees.

Make Your Impact

Our legacy is built on dedicated leadership, but our future relies on the energy and vision of new members. We remain relentless in our advocacy and invite you to live by our founding mantra:

"Don't wait a minute longer, make a BIG difference!"