About Us

The Greater San Diego Chapter of Blacks In Government (BIG) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, non-partisan, educational and professional development organization that represents more than 2.5 million African-Americans. We are dedicated to eliminating discrimination and racist acts in all forms, against ALL people, but especially Blacks, in all government agencies; whether it is a City, County, State or Federal government agency.

 

We stand for ethnic pride; believe in justice and equality for our communities, education for our children and togetherness for our people.

History

Blacks In Government was conceived by DHEW Black Federal employees at 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. 

When coupled with the fact that no single civil rights organization has as its sole objective the preservation and enhancement of Black civil servants, it became apparent that Black civil servants had to unite and protect themselves. To some, this meant jeopardizing their careers. To others, it meant duplicating some of the efforts of other organizations. To still others, it meant very little, they felt (as some Blacks do not) that it would be a wasted effort.

Nonetheless, Blacks In Government, was organized in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976. BIG functions as a knowledgeable, problem-identifying and solving organization for the Black civil servants. It is dedicated to: (1) establishing and operating socio-economic, political, and cultural programs which enhance the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for Blacks; (2) eradicating all vestiges of unlawful treatment towards Blacks; (3) eliminating institutionalized racism which oppresses Blacks and violates barriers to full and equal citizenship for Blacks; (4) encouraging pride and motivation in Blacks so as to promote achievement of full potential and recognition of societal contributions; (5) sponsoring a national effort to promote the well-being, education, and professional development of Blacks; (6) acting as advocate for equal employment opportunities and conditions which affect Blacks. This shall include, but not be limited to, those administrative and personnel selections, recruitments, placements, promotions, upward mobility’s, and other similar areas.