2021 RXI Blacks in Government GALA Booklet by Blacks In Government RXI Council

region xi

A Night of

Celebration Excellence in public service and volunteerism

Saturday, DECEMBer 4, 2021

13901 Central Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Renaee Allen Veterans Affairs Chapter

Region XI Council President

Greetings BIG Region XI Family & Guests, It is once again an honor and pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you, my Region XI Family. This has been a challenging year, as we experience loss of loved ones, overcoming health concerns, adapting to virtual fellowship and work. But just like a Phoenix, we rose from the ashes, and were blessed with innovative opportunities to do bigger and better things in BIG and in our communities, as we engage and listen more, by helping and expressing love for one another. We celebrated the success of our first virtual NTI and many accomplishments as a Region, such as establishing a FLAG Chapter and continuing to motivate and engage with our youth, by being productive and focused on the mission of BIG in developing others by using our strong platforms and voices. I am honored to have served as your Region XI Council President and proud that we accomplished our goals we set forth in 2020 at the beginning of my term. I am most appreciative to the council for your vote of confidence to lead Region XI, and the talented officers and committee chairs who did such a wonderful job in executing those goals. Our theme “Moving Forward with a Purpose” was successful because of those dedicated and committed individuals. We can celebrate here tonight because of the outstanding chapters, faithful corporate sponsors, and passionate and loyal members in Region XI. A special “Thank you” to Chapter Presidents, Officers, Regional Representatives, Board of Directors and our Distinguished Service Hall of Famers for continuing the great work of this phenomenal Region and the organization of Blacks In Government. As we CELEBRATE and recognize BIG excellence in public service, we look to forward to sustaining and building life-long working relationships with Agency heads, that will ensure effective partnerships for BIG’s everlasting growth and success. God Bless you all, Renaee J. Allen Region XI Council President Blacks In Government, Inc. Remember: “Life most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Greetings Blacks In Government (BIG) Region XI, Since BIG's creation in 1975, our members have been and continue to be our greatest assets. In fact, our very existence depends upon members just like you who give countless hours of your time to support our very important mission of advocacy and to deliver impactful training programs at the chapter, regional, and national level. As will be evident during Region Xi's annual Awards and Recognition Gala tonight, you have individually and collectively shown your enduring commitment to our organization and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion that we espouse. Standing on the shoulders of the giants who have come before me and now arm in arm with you, I am so very honored to be serving as the 15th National President during such an important time in our nation's history. As public servants, we have always risen to the challenge but we have done that doubly so at a time when our nation needed its public servants the most. Despite our own safety concerns, childcare needs, and technology that has been stretched thin as we combined home offices with home classrooms, we have continued to deliver vital government services to the American public. But, your government service aside, you believed so strongly in the BIG mission that even a pandemic could not stop you from moving forward with important efforts within your chapters and within this Region. And, I am so very proud to be leading an organization whose members are so determined to fulfill its goals and objectives even during the most difficult times. So, when you look around the room tonight, you have so very much to be proud of. Through strong leadership and your collective commitment, there is still so much celebrate! I applaud you efforts and thank you for an outstanding year of service. Onwards and Upwards,

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq. National President

“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters.” - General Colin Powell

2020 – 2021 Region XI’s Presidential Theme Goals and Objectives • Sustain growth and retention of membership. o Enhance membership involvement and engagement at the chapter, regional and national levels. • Advocate and empower those who need our help (Knowledge is Power). Remembering our Founders and BIG's purpose. o Focus on AE/EEO opportunities to increase membership knowledge base • Forecast and strategic minded in developing partnerships that align with BIG goals and objectives. • Empowering our Future Leaders. o Engaging more Millennials/Emerging Leaders in leadership role and opportunities o Establishing FLAG Chapters o Establishing Senior FLAG Chapters

“You must have confidence in your competence … Most people who are hating on you, they are not worried about where you are. They’re worried about where you’re going.” - Elijah Cummings

Region XI Executive Committee Renaee Allen, President Stephan Matthews, 1st Vice President Rev. Barbara Johnson-Cox, 2nd Vice President Antinique Rawlings, Recording Secretary Donna Hill, Corresponding Secretary Kmitra Lovely, Treasurer Darlene Brooks, Financial Secretary Vacant, Parliamentarian William Speight, Sergeant-At-Arms Board of Directors Ms. Glynis Hill Ms. Marion Allen

Congratulations to National Officers and Board of Directors National Secretary Honorable Paula Davis* National Corresponding Secretary Anthony Lee* Board of Directors Michael McCrimmon*

* reelected and elected officers, not yet sworn in

Moving Forward With A Purpose

Region XI Standing Committee Chairs Camella Woodham, AE/EEO Neavaly Touray & Davena Archie, Awards Co-Chairs Ray Carmichael & Earl Simmons, By-Laws and Resolutions Co-Chairs Min. Shirley Cambrel, Chaplain Dwayne Mitchell, Communications Renee Mosley, Community Service and Outreach Donna Hill & Tonya Swanson, Health and Wellness Co-Chairs Donna Harper & Geneva Butler, Fundraising Co-Chairs Melinda Delotch-Speight & Michell Waldron-Patterson, Hospitality Co-Chairs April Powers-Matthews, Legislative Rev. Barbara Johnson-Cox, Membership Pia Scott, Marketing and Strategic Planning Stephan Matthews, Programs and Education

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

1. To be an advocate of equal opportunity for Blacks in government. 2. To eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination against Blacks in government 3. To promote professionalism among Blacks in government. 4. To develop and promote programs which will enhance ethnic pride and educational opportunities for Blacks in government. 5. To establish a mechanism for gathering and disseminating information for Blacks in government. 6. To provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional and national significance that affect Blacks in government.

Region XI Chapters Chapter Name

President Name

Chapter Name

President Name

Adelphi Laboratory Center

Danell Diggs

Khalfani

Tonya Lesane

Benjamin Banneker (GSA)

Monica R Hedgspeth

Library of Congress

Angela Harris

Benjamin Hooks

Yolanda Lee

NASA Headquarters

Zudayyah Taylor-Dunn

BIG @ the Crossroads

Simone Walston

National Maritime Intelligence Center

Renee Mosley

BIG DHS

Wendy Gray

National Science Foundation

Lisa Mackall

BIG FEMA

Dr. Gary C. Powell

NGA

Antinique M. Rawlings

BIG PBGC

Bernard LeGrand

NIH

Alexis Braxton

BIG Pentagon

Frank Q. Williams

NOAA

Neavaly Touray

Carl T. Rowan

Cherie McClam-Brown

NRC

Dr. Haile Lindsay

Catalyst

Ashwood L. Bullard

OPM

Jerome Matlock

Coast Guard

LaShanda K. Jones

Parklawn

Anthony Lee

DOJ Edward Woods

Darlene Brooks

Patent & Trademark Office

Darnella McGuire

Defense Logistic Agency

Larry Mccauley

Prince Georges Center

Anita Powell

Department of Education

Dr. Jesse Sharpe

Retired Members

Claire Cashwell

Department of Treasury

Fantrella Thompson

Robert C. Weaver (HUD)

Stephan Matthews (Acting)

Department of Energy

Vera Dunmore

Ronald H. Brown

Eddie Lee Key (Acting)

Department of Labor

Dr. Sidney Samuel

Sankofa

James H. Forbes, Jr

Department of Transportation

Bernadette Walker

Suitland Federal Center

James Belton

DIA

Jan Patterson

Tri-City

Valerie Nelson

EEOC

Michelle Waldron

UMOJA

Kimber Garland-Homes

Farm Credit Agency

Jarvis D. Tillman

USAID Harry T. Moore

Erin Brown

Financial Management Services

Donna Harper

USDA George Carver Washington

Dana White

GAO-USACE

Pamela Hall

VA Headquarters

Monisha Barnes

Hertiage

Dr. Matthew Fogg

Washington Navy Yard

Michael McCrimmon

HHS WDC College Park Complex

Sharon Dodson

William D. Barber, Jr. EPA

LaShan Haynes

IRS Chisholm-Hughes

Cynthia Brown Hon.

IRS New Carrollton

Paula E. Davis

2021 • REGION XI BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT GALA

Honorable Gerald R. Reed Pentagon Chapter

Master of Ceremony Honorable Gerald R. Reed retired from public service after forty-two years with the Department of Defense as the Deputy Director of Engineering for the Pentagon Information Technology Service. Honorable Gerald R. Reed retired from public service after forty-two years with the Department of Defense as the Deputy Director of Engineering for the Pentagon Information Technology Service. Mr. Reed is a highly regarded and revered Champion of Equal Employment Opportunity, sought out motivational speaker, a leadership development coach, published author, former National President of Blacks In Government (BIG), former RXI Council President, former BIG Pentagon Chapter President, a BIG Chartered Gold Plus Life Member, a BIG Chartered DSHOF Award recipient, as well as, the current Presidential Advisor for BIG. Honorable Reed received his Master of Science Degree in Administration with a concentration in Software Engineering and completed PhD Studies in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Central Michigan University. Honorable Reed is married and the proud father of a daughter and son. During his four years as National President, Honorable Reed accomplished several major initiatives that enhanced the stature of the National Organization of Blacks In Government. In 1999, Honorable Reed established the initial partnership with the Graduate School, USDA, that offered training courses at reduced rates and workshop instructors at BIG’s National Training Institute which ultimately paved the way for BIG to be certified as a “Recognized Employee Organization (REO)” for Training as designated by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. Another outgrowth of this partnership was the future establishment and evolution of BIG’s preeminent Darlene Young Leadership Academy (DYLA) developmental program. In 2000, Honorable Reed testified before Congress about Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint process. As a result of his testimony, the NO FEAR Coalition was established to draft legislation that ultimately was passed in the House and Senate and, on May 15, 2002, it became law as the First Civil Rights Bill of the 21st Century known as the “Notification and Federal Anti-Discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (NO FEAR Act). Of which, BIG was invited to the White House to witness the signing by President George W. Bush. In 2001, Honorable Reed purchased the current National Headquarters building located at 3005 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20001. The initial closing date on the building was Tuesday, September 11, 2001, at 10:00 AM. However, due to the terrorist attacked on America that very day, the closing was move one month later to October 11, 2001. BIG lost one foot-soldier that day, Ms. Janice Marie Scott, of which, Honorable Reed honored her in an op-ed entitled, “Divine Intervention at Ground Zero.” And, in 2002, Honorable Reed was able to document and justify BIG’s influential Impact as it related to advocacy, EEO (NO FEAR), training and development, and community outreach. As such, BIG was recognized in the May 2002 issue of Ebony Magazine as a stellar group of movers and shakers who represent the breadth and depth of African American influence in the first decade of the 21st Century. Thus, BIG was considered then and now as one of the “100+ Most Influential Organizations in America.”

Gala Program Gala opens and guests are invited in to mix and mingle Master of Ceremony

Hon. Gerald Reed BIG National Presidential Advisor

Introduction of RXIC Officers & Committee Chairs

Ms. Renaee Allen RXIC President VA HQ Chapter

Welcome

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq. National President

Corporate Sponsorship Recognition

Invocation

Mr. Stephan Matthews RXIC President-Elect Robert C. Weaver (HUD) Chapter Minister Shirley Cambrel Energy Chapter

Acknowledgement National Officers and Distinguished Service Hall of Fame Entertainment

The Charles Cannon Group

RXIC Council Awards Presentation

Ms. Neavaly Touray, (NOAA Chapter) Ms. Davena Archie, (DOL Chapter)

Special Awards & Acknowledgments

Ms. Renaee Allen

Special Presentation

Mr. Stephan Matthews

Acknowledgments

Ms. Pia Scott Benjamin Banneker

Closing Remarks

Mr. Stephan Matthews

The Charles Cannon Group

Gala Entertainment DJ

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois Will was already an accomplished trumpet player before joining the Army in the late 80's. He started playing trumpet in the 4th grade and was a member of the Chicago Merit School of Music program in downtown Chicago. While living in Kaiserslautern, Germany Will played trumpet with several bands honing his improvisation skills while playing various styles of music. After nearly a decade overseas, Will returned to the U. S., purchased his first saxophone, and began to play at churches, weddings, retirement ceremonies, birthday parties, anniversaries, and corporate events. Will has been studying music for over 40 years and plays throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. He is a multiinstrumentalist, but focuses mainly on the saxophone. He has led several bands and is the founder and band leader of his own band called CCG, the Charles Cannon Group. He is almost done with his freshman CD project, coming in the year 2021. Quote from Will, "I am looking forward to working with you and providing great music for your special event. When you hire me, you are getting a consummate professional who continues to study music and practices on a daily basis, almost as if I'm still brand new to the art. I aim to make each musical performance unforgettable for you and your guests."

Follow - https://www.thebash.com/saxophone/cano

In Memoriam

In Memory of BIG Members “FROM EARTH TO HEAVENLY REWAR ARD” Shirley Ashton - DOL David Benjamin - NGA Cynthia Bowman - DOL Rolland Dewitt Gant - NOAA Chapter Sonia Lott - Washington Navy Yard Arthuretta Martin - IRS New Carrolton Marcus Singleton - Harry T. Moore USAID Anthony "Tony" Cheatham - EPA LaWanda Young, Robert C. Weaver HUD Chapter Isabel Brown, Robert C. Weaver HUD Chapter

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2021 BIG R��J�on XI CFC CAMPAIGN Oct 4, 2021 - Jan 15, 2022

GOAi!...: $5,600 Which BIG Region XI programs does your CFC donation support? 1. Civil Rights, Social A ction & Advocacy • •

AE/EEO forums and webinars Voter Education & Registration

Education

• •

Annual Regional Training Conference Annual RXIC Sponsors Financial Webinars

3. Youth Developme nt •

Annual Student Oratorical/STEM Competition

4. Community Servic e a nd Outreach •

Donations to Veterans and Homeless Community

HOW TO DONATE

Log into your account or create a new account CFC Online Pledge Portal One-time or recurring donations (payroll deductions) via credit card, debit card, or bank transfer ,

RXIC CFC #59123

BIG Regi:� :1 2

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Donation

CFC Items to Receive

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$50 (one-time)

RXIC Pen

$100 (one-time}

RXIC Pen and RXI C Luggage Tag

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$120 (or HO/month) RXIC Pen and RXIC Bag

$240 [or- $21llmonU1J RXIC Pen, Bag, & Small Notebook $275 and above

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•Send confirmation and address to RXITreasure,Aqmail.com *

CFC items are for CFC donations only and itsm substitution art1 at th8 discrBtion of RXIC. Its-ms a.n, not tor sats.

A BIG THANK YOU!

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” — Booker T. Washington

2021 • REGION XI BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT GALA

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2021 • REGION XI BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT GALA

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“That's when America soars, when we look out for one another and we take care of each other, when we root for one another's success, when we strive to do better and to be better than the generation that came before us and try to build something better for generations to come, that's why we do what we do. That's the whole point of public service.” --Barack Obama

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BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT

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Please email us at BigatNSF@gmail.com for more information on becoming a member or visit httP-s://nsfbigweb.wixsite.com/website.

Congratulations to BIG Region XI

Greetings and Happy Holidays!!!

To Region XI Council Sending thoughtful wishes your way this holiday season!!!! FROM:

Black& In Government, NOAA Chapter Neavaly �ay, President Camill� · ,.. ¥ice-President d Vice-President

· reasurer tant Treasurer dence Secretary

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BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT Department of Labor Chapter 'Extencfs Con9ratu{ations for a Productive Year & 11est 1Vislies for Continued Success to Its

BIG-DOL Programs & Activities • • • • • • • • • • • •

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dr. Sidney W. Samuel

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Michael G. Parrish, Jr.

President

Program and Planning

First Vice President

Membership

Second Vice President

Affirmative Employment/EEO

Michael G. Parrish, Jr.

Lisa J. Hawkins

Sheila M. Stevens

Corresponding Secretary Hallie R. Glascoe

Treasurer

Robin D. Matthews

Assistant Treasurer & Past President

Affirmative Employment/ EEO African American History Month Programs DOL Affinity Groups Council Educational Seminars Legal Assistance Program Member Education Program Health and Wellness Program Scholarship Program Thanksgiving Baskets Food Drive Senior Citizens Holiday Project BIG National Delegates Assembly Chapter Delegates BIG National Training Institute Attendees IDOL Agency Forum

Lisa J. Hawkins Noel L. Cox

Thomas P. Burke Communication & Public Relations Adrienne R. Shaw Health & Wellness Catherine M. Hackett

Mailing Address Post Office Box 2223 Washington, DC 20013-2223 Website

www .bignet.org/DOL E-mail Address

Member Grants & Awards

labor@bignet.org

Cheryl A. Sims

Scholarship Program

REGION XI COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES Davena R. Archie Dr. Sidney W. Samuel [alternate] Michael G. Parrish, Jr. [alternate] Rev. Barbara Johnson Cox Robin D. Matthews [alternate] Adrienne R. Shaw Noel L. Cox [alternate]

Facebook Page

www.facebook.com/BIGNETDOL

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CHARITY CONNECT THANKS KMITRA LOVELY FOR HER BOARD SERVICE!

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“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Congratulations to BIG Region XI

IN MEMORY OF

JAMES ELBERT WOOD,

REGION XI AWARDS COMMITTEE CHAIR

(November 12, 1957 - September 24, 2013)

In 2013, the Navy Metro Chapter experienced a tremendous loss. Mr. James Wood lost his battle with a long term illness. Mr. Wood was one of the original charter members of the Navy Metro Chapter and immediately became extremely passionate about Blacks In Government (BIG). He quickly became a Life Member, but he wasn’t just a member on paper; he was committed to BIG and all that it stands for and he demonstrated his commitment through his dedicated service to the organization. He was one of the most active BIG members you would ever want to meet! While quiet and soft-spoken, he could really get fired up about BIG! Each year, he has served BIG in some capacity. He served in various leadership roles at the Chapter level and often at the Regional level from the time Navy Metro Chapter stood up to the day the day he passed away. At the Chapter level, while continuously serving as one of the Navy Metro BIG Region XI Chapter Representatives, he served at various times as the Navy Metro Chapter President, the Chapter Vice President, the Chapter Treasurer, and as a National Training Conference (NTC) Delegate. He had a presence on the Region XI Board, having served as Treasurer or Financial Secretary at various times during in his career. He often chaired or cochaired Region XI committees, such as the Awards and Program Committee. Regardless of whether the agency funded it, he attended practically every National Training Conference with the exception of the 2013 conference when he was too ill to attend. No job was too big, too small or too hard for him; he even served for several years as the Chair or CoChair of the NTC Logistics Committee! Now that’s dedication! But he didn’t have to be the Chair or CoChair to serve; he was also known to join and serve on other committees as well, such as the Fundraising Committee and no doubt others.

On the job, during his career, he served as an advocate for African Americans. He strived to increase the number of African American scientists and engineers at the Carderock Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (CDNSWC) formerly known as the David Taylor Research and Development Center, serving as a recruiter and making sure that the Center was reaching out to African American students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He would often meet with the senior management on behalf of the BIG Chapter and the African American community at the Center. He paved the way for many African Americans at CDNSWC; he made a difference! You would think that he wouldn't have had time for anything else, but that wasn't the case. He performed community service in Washington DC and in addition to BIG, he was a very family oriented person. He was extremely devoted to both his immediate family as well as his extended family. Although his family lived in North Carolina, he never missed an opportunity to lend his support. He never missed a graduation or major family event. He was always there to mentor and guide his sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews and made sure they stayed on the right track, encourage them to pursue higher education, expose them to opportunities and experiences outside the rural area he grew up in; and provide them with fatherly advice to assure that they would become the best very best that they could be.

He is missed by many…Gone but not forgotten.

Blacks in Government RXI 2021 GALA Award Nominees RXI Awards Committee today announces the nominees for the 2021 Regional XI GALA Awards, the prestigious awards in service and excellence. Come out and celebrate the achievements of the Region! Regional Representative Involvement Award Michelle Batten, DIA Chapter Ida Hayes, NIH Chapter Donna Hill - Benjamin Banneker Chapter Dwayne Mitchell - VA HQ Chapter

Outstanding Community Service and Outreach Coast Guard Chapter (Chapter) VA HQ Chapter (Chapter) Penny Collins, Coast Guard Chapter (Indv) Michael Edwards, Coast Guard (Indv) Deb Moss, Carl T. Rowan (Indv) Rickey Parker, Benjamin Banneker Chapter (Indv) Sheila Stevens, Department of Labor (Indv)

Chapter Involvement Award

Dewayne Corbett, Coast Guard Chapter Kimberly Harrison, Benjamin Banneker Chapter John Jasik, Carl T. Rowan Chapter Jacques Malebranche, Benjamin Banneker Chapter Chanda Plair, VA HQ Chapter Department of Labor (Chapter)

Committee Chair of the Year

Ray Carmichael & Earl Simmons – By-laws and Resolutions Co-Chairs Dwayne Mitchell - Communications Chair Renee Mosley – Community Outreach Co-Chairs Camella Woodham – EEO/Affirmative Action Chair Donna Harper & Geneva Butler - Fundraising Co-Chairs Donna Hill & Tonya Swanson - Health and Wellness Co-Chairs Melinda Deloatch-Speight & Michelle Waldron-Patterson - Hospitality Co-Chairs April Powers-Matthew – Legislative Chair Rev. Barbara Johnson-Cox - Membership Chair Pia Scott – Marketing & Strategic Planning Chair Stephan Matthews – Program and Planning Chair

2021 • REGION XI BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT GALA

Blacks in Government RXI 2021 GALA Award Nominees Continued Council Officer of the Year Darlene Brooks - Financial Secretary Donna Hill - Correspondence Secretary Rev. Barbara Johnson-Cox - 2nd Vice President Kmitra Lovely – Treasurer Stephan Matthews – 1st Vice President Antinique Rawlings - Recording Secretary Chapter President's Leadership Monisha Barnes - Department of Veterans Affairs Headquarters Chapter LaShanda Jones, Coast Guard Chapter Monica Hedgspeth, Benjamin Banneker Chapter Agency Impact Award Coast Guard Chapter Department of Veterans Affairs Headquarters Chapter Overall Chapter of the Year Coast Guard Chapter Department of Veterans Affairs Headquarters Chapter

2021 • REGION XI BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT GALA

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® RXI 2021 AWARDS Region XI Council Involvement Award: This award is presented to a member with a distinguished record of service to the Region XI Council (e.g. served on committees, held office, made contributions to good order and discipline during meetings, attended regular meetings and demonstrated leadership). Region XI Chapter Involvement Award: This award is presented to a member with a distinguished record of service and involvement with their chapter (e.g. served on committees, held office, made contributions to good order and discipline during meetings, attended regular meetings, and demonstrated leadership). Region XI Chapter President’s Leadership Award: This award is presented to a member who has served or is currently serving as President of a BIG chapter in RXI for at least 12 consecutive months with a record of accomplishment and leadership that reflects his/her dedication and commitment to the principles of BIG. Region XI Outstanding Community Service Award: This award is presented to a chapter or individual member with a record of accomplishment in the community that reflects his/her dedication to the principles of BIG. Region XI Chapter of the Year: This award is presented to a chapter in recognition of distinguished overall performance throughout the entire year as evidenced by chapter activities conducted throughout the year, participation in programs and education competitions and other regional and national activities, as well as membership drives. This is the highest recognition award that can be received by a chapter during the year. Region XI Agency Impact Award: This award is presented to a chapter that has made significant impact at their perspective agency. This chapter has promoted BIG through seminars, special meetings with agency leaders, special interest group events, equal opportunity initiatives, and has been otherwise actively engaged in establishing a positive position of BIG within their agency.

Region XI Membership Chapter of the Year Award: This award is presented to the chapter that has shown the largest increase in the percentage of its members for the calendar year. This award recognizes the chapter for their efforts to promote membership at all levels (Regular, Life, Gold, and Associate), participation in membership drives, and retention of current members. RXI Most Improved Chapter Award: This award is presented to the chapter that has shown remarkable improvements throughout the year. Specific areas of improvement include, but are not limited to: overcoming membership and officer vacancies, restructuring leadership roles, establishing relationships with managers, participation in the development of initiatives for young professionals, and current submission of required documents/reports to the RXIC. Region XI Council Officer of the Year: This award is presented to the Regional Council Officer who has made significant outstanding contributions to the council for the past year. Significant contributions include maintaining good order and discipline, striving to meet council goals and objectives, building relations and documented significant council involvement as voted on by the Regional Representatives.

Region XI Committee Chair of the Year: This award is presented to the Regional Council Committee Chair that has exhibited significant leadership, involvement and strategic vision in meeting regional goals and objectives. Additionally, demonstrating innovation and creativity, program success and serve as a model in promoting BIG goals and objectives as voted on by the Regional Representatives.

2021 • REGION XI BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT GALA

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® INCORPORATED IN 1976 The organization Blacks In Government (BIG), was established on December 4, 1975, as a nonprofit organization at the Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane in Rockville, Maryland. This organization was established so that it could act as an advocacy for the employment and general welfare of Blacks, and to improve the quality of employment opportunities and conditions. This included, but was not limited to, administrative and personal practices affecting Blacks as they related to recruiting, hiring, promoting, training, realigning, reassigning, detailing, transferring, and developing careers and upward mobility. The first official meeting was held in the conference room on the third floor (December 4, 1975). Those in attendance were: 1. Doris Bing

The initial directors signing the Articles of Incorporation in Washington, D.C. (February 26, 1976) were: 1. Garfield Crawford 2. Siegel E. Young, Jr. 3. Shirlene Gray After expansion of the membership, the first election after incorporation occurred June 1, 1977. The following persons became the first officers of Incorporated BIG, later to be called the Parklawn Chapter of BIG: President – Ramona McCarthy Vice President – Odie Williams Recording Secretary – Charles Jackson

2. Garfield Crawford 3. James H. (Pat) Daugherty 4. Shirlene Gray

Corresponding Secretary – Rubye Fields Financial Secretary – Maria Cjavos Treasurer – Norman R. Seay

5. Calvin McDaniels The first Chairman elected (December 1975) was James H. (Pat) Daugherty who served in this capacity for approximately 18 months while awaiting the time when the incorporated body could schedule an election.

The above information was authored by: James H. (Pat) Daugherty – this has long been established to be the accurate and true history of BIG. Source: Dr. Patrick Wilson – Past President Parklawn Chapter, RXIC Historian 2012 – 2015

2021 • REGION XI BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT GALA

Special Acknowledgments Gala Planning Committee Pia Scott, Benjamin Banneker Chapter, Chairperson Neavaly Touray, NOAA Chapter, Co-Chair Davena Archie, DOL Chapter Darlene Brooks, DOJ Chapter Geneva Butler, Benjamin Hooks Chapter Donna Harper, FMS Chapter Kmitra Lovely, VA HQ Chapter Stephan Matthews, Robert C. Weaver (HUD) Chapter Dwayne A. Mitchell, VA HQ Chapter Renee Mosley, NMIC Gala Program Booklet Dwayne A. Mitchell Communications Chair DJ/Music The Charles Cannon Group Venue Martin's Camelot

www.bigrxi.org | www.facebook.com/bigrxic Blacks In Government® Inc. Region XI Council Bl P.O. Box 2931, Washington, DC 20013-2931 2021 • REGION XI BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT GALA

Thank You IN APPRECIATION OF YOU, AND ALL THAT YOU DO FOR

Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless. - Sherry Anderson