Blacks In Government Chicago Midwest Chapter

07/28/2026

in 1941, Emmett Louis Till was born. Today, he would have turned 85 years old.

His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, made the courageous decision to hold an open-casket funeral – she was determined not to hide what happened to him. The images of Till’s body, published in Jet magazine and other publications, exposed the brutality of racial violence to the nation and the world. Emmett Till’s death and acquittal of his murderers, became a powerful catalyst, galvanizing a new generation of activists and helping to ignite the modern Civil Rights Movement.

The Emmett Till Memorial at our museum offers a sacred space for reflection and remembrance.

📸 Photograph of Emmett Till with his mother, Mamie Till Mobley. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Mamie Till Mobley family.

07/28/2026

Our President and CEO, Keenya Lambert, was honored to join The Wakeman Agency's Social Change Diaries podcast.

In the episode, Keenya and host Vanessa Wakeman discuss why movements are the foundation of social change work and how democracy cannot move forward without deep investment in community organizations.

Listen to the full episode here: https://www.thewakemanagency.com/insights/keenya-lambert-movement-building-is-long-term/.

Thank you, The Wakeman Agency, for having CFW join this important conversation.

07/28/2026

Celebrate the women who lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact in our

Nominations for the Women of Excellence 2027 are open! Do you know a trailblazer, changemaker, or leader who deserves to be recognized? Now is the time to honor her story.

Submit your nomination today: https://chicagodefender.com/woe2027nominations/

07/28/2026

Join us Aug. 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. CST for the CBOC Tele-Health Town Hall.

07/28/2026

On July 23, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to extend federal program funding through December 4. The Senate is expected to revise the bill to include “anomalies,” which provide additional short-term funding for specific programs.

More here: https://nlihc.org/resource/house-adjourns-august-recess-after-sending-continuing-resolution-funding-federal-programs

07/28/2026

07/28/2026

Across the country, Black professionals are leading with purpose, vision, and impact. was established to recognize that kind of leadership.

Apply or nominate someone today before our extended deadline on July 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET. https://naacp.org/advancement-list

07/28/2026

On Buffalo Soldiers Day, we honor the African American soldiers who, beginning in 1866, served with courage and distinction. Their service in the American West helped shape our Army and our nation. Their legacy of honor, resilience, and sacrifice lives on. 🇺🇸🦬

07/28/2026

SUBJECT: Upcoming Federal Primary and Special Elections

Greetings BIG Members,

As National President of Blacks In Government (BIG), I encourage each of you to remain engaged in one of our most important civic responsibilities—the right to vote. Through Project BIG Vote, BIG continues its longstanding commitment to promoting civic participation and ensuring our members have timely, nonpartisan information about upcoming elections.

Our theme, "Building Bridges – Breaking Barriers," reminds us that strong communities are built through informed and active participation. Regardless of where you live, I encourage you to verify your voter registration, become familiar with the candidates and issues, and make your voice heard at the ballot box.

The Project BIG Vote Committee has provided the following schedule of upcoming federal primary and special elections occurring over the next 90 days.

Election Schedule

Key:

S – State Primary
D – District Primary
T – Territory Primary
R – State Runoff (if necessary)

Election dates are subject to change.

July 2026
July 21: Arizona (S)
July 28: Georgia Congressional District 13 Special Election

August 2026
August 1: Guam (T), U.S. Virgin Islands (T)
August 4: Kansas (S), Michigan (S), Missouri (S), Virginia (S), Washington (S)
August 6: Tennessee (S)
August 8: Hawaii (S)
August 11: Alabama Congressional Districts 1, 2, 6 & 7 Special Primary; Connecticut (S); Minnesota (S); Vermont (S); Wisconsin (S)
August 18: Alaska (S); California Congressional District 14 Special General Election; Florida (S); Wyoming (S)
August 25: Georgia Congressional District 13 Special Runoff (if necessary); Oklahoma (R)

September 2026
September 1: Massachusetts (S)
September 8: New Hampshire (S)
September 9: Rhode Island (S)
September 15: Delaware (S)

October 2026
No federal elections are currently scheduled.

Thank you for your continued commitment to public service and civic engagement. Together, we will continue Building Bridges – Breaking Barriers by encouraging informed participation and strengthening our democracy.

04/28/2026

Greetings Chapter Members

Are you a federal employee looking to stay competitive in today's evolving job market? BIG Region V presents an interactive workshop to guide you in crafting a concise, 2-page skills-based resume aligned with Executive Order 14170 and the Merit Hiring Plan. Learn how to showcase your strengths, translate your federal experience, and position yourself for new opportunities both within government and beyond (see the attached flyer for details).

The workshop will take place on Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 am ET (9:00 am CT). The cost to attend: $25.00.

This interactive workshop is open to anyone who wishes to attend. Share with your colleagues and friends. You do not have to be a member of BIG to attend.

Retirees: Please pass this information to your former colleagues.

***Registration is open until May 1 at 12:00pm ET