Blacks In Government - Region XI Council

07/13/2026

Checking in on our BIG Region XI family! 🖤

This July, we are observing National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. We know firsthand that serving the public and advancing in your career can be incredibly demanding. Black professionals often carry unique workplace stressors, and it is so important that we talk about it, validate those experiences, and support one another.

Resilience is a hallmark of our community, but true wellness means knowing when to pause, recharge, and ask for support. You do not have to carry the load by yourself.

Did you know that as a federal employee, you have access to confidential counseling, wellness coaching, and work-life support through your agency’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? Whether you are dealing with burnout, workplace stress, or personal challenges, these resources are part of your benefits package.

Take a moment today to explore the resources available to you and your colleagues:

- Learn how EAP works (OPM): https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/work-life-faq/employee-assistance-program-eap/

- Explore Federal Wellness Programs: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/worklife/employee-wellness-programs/employee-assistance-programs/

- Resources for our Foreign Service & State Dept. Family: [suspicious link removed]

Prioritize your peace. We need you healthy, whole, and thriving!

07/09/2026

The BIG Pentagon Chapter truly showed up and showed out for the youth of Ward 8! 🖤💛📚

Even the extreme summer heat couldn't stop us from celebrating a monumental day of community service! On June 5th, under the leadership of Chapter President Tangie L. Phair, the BIG Pentagon Chapter proudly dedicated a Little Free Library at William B. Patterson Elementary School in Washington, D.C.

This beautiful new library was dedicated in honor of the past and present women presidents of our chapter—a tribute to the strong legacy of Black women in leadership!

Our hearts are so full of gratitude for the village that made this happen:

- A special shoutout to Hon. Farnese J. Hicks (Event Coordinator) and Hon. Mary K. Thomas (Mistress of Ceremonies) for spearheading this initiative!

- Thank you to the Community Outreach Committee's Michael Wynn and Nichole Bain.

- We were deeply honored by the presence of our Third and Founding President, Ms. Margaret Wilson, who shared inspiring words of wisdom. A special thank you to LTC (Ret.) Claude Vann, III and CMG(Ret.) Dock Whittaker for traveling from Hampton, VA, to ensure she could join us!

The school administration, including Principal Dr. Victorie Thomas-Gerald, presented our chapter with a beautiful Certificate of Appreciation. But the best part? Dr. LaJoy Johnson Law from the D.C. State Board of Education challenged us to return and read to the students—and we proudly accepted!

This is what BIG is all about: literacy, mentorship, and leaving a lasting impact. Drop a 📚 in the comments to celebrate our Pentagon Chapter!

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July, Region XI Family! 🎆

Whether you are firing up the grill, gathering with loved ones, or simply enjoying a well-deserved day of rest, we hope your holiday is filled with joy, community, and fellowship.

Today is a day for family, but it is also a day for profound reflection. As we celebrate the birth of our nation, we also honor the strength, resilience, and unyielding spirit of our ancestors who continuously pushed this country to live up to its highest ideals of freedom and equality. We celebrate how far we have come, and we remain dedicated to the work that still lies ahead.

Enjoy the fireworks, the food, and the fellowship today. Stay safe, look out for one another, and let’s continue to build a brighter future for our communities!

Drop a 🍔 or 🎇 in the comments if you are attending a cookout or catching fireworks today! How is your chapter celebrating?

06/29/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE! Early Bird ends TOMORROW, June 30th! 🚨

Region XI Family, don't wait! Tomorrow at midnight is the deadline to grab your $75 Early Bird tickets to support the NOAA Chapter's Annual Crystal Pratt Crab Feast on Sunday, July 26th!

Come kick back with our fellow members at Argyle Local Park in Silver Spring for an afternoon of incredible food, community fellowship, and networking.

🦀 A Menu for Everyone: Not a fan of crab? No problem! The NOAA Chapter is also serving up freshly fried fish and a variety of delicious sides.

🎓 Party with a Purpose: A portion of every ticket goes directly to funding the Barbara Tobe Scholarship Program for a deserving student in our community.

Get your tickets before the price goes up to $85!

👉 Secure your spot here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-crystal-pratt-crabfeast-eat-well-connect-and-support-a-great-cause

(Can't attend? You can still show Region XI support by making a tax-deductible donation to the chapter's scholarship fund using the same link!)

Mark your calendars for the most anticipated networking and social event of the summer!Whether you have been a part of the NOAA Blacks in Government (BIG)…

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day from the Region XI Family! 💙

This Sunday, June 21st, we are taking a special moment to celebrate the incredible dads, granddads, uncles, and mentors who shape our lives. A father's presence is a powerful source of family satisfaction—bringing love, stability, and joy to the home every single day.

But a father's impact doesn't stop at the front door. Fathers are our coaches, volunteers, advocates, and role models who drive community development and inspire our youth to reach higher. When fathers are actively engaged, families flourish, and our neighborhoods grow stronger together!

Today, we honor your sacrifices, celebrate your guidance, and thank you for being the steadfast anchors of our families. Join us in celebrating the special fathers in our lives by honoring their profound impact today and every day!

06/19/2026

✨ "Freedom is not something you buy... it's something you win." — Opal Lee ✨

Happy Juneteenth, Region XI Family! Today, we celebrate a landmark milestone: the 5th anniversary of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday. While June 19, 1865, marked the day the delayed news of liberation finally reached enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, June 2021 marked the moment the entire nation paused to recognize its historical significance.

This year, our celebration carries an extra layer of reverence as we honor the living legend who helped make it a federal holiday: Opal Lee. Her historic walks and tireless activism proved that one voice can move an entire country. As Lee approaches her 100th birthday on October 7th, we salute her lifetime of service and agitation for equality.

Juneteenth is more than a commemoration of the past; it is a call to action for our future. It reminds us of our deep civic duty to protect our hard-won freedoms, engage actively in our communities, and continue the march toward true systemic equality.

Take time today to reflect, celebrate, and support one another. Together, we honor the legacy of those who came before us by building a stronger, more equitable path for those who follow.

How are you and your chapters celebrating Juneteenth today? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

06/12/2026

Tomorrow is the day! ✨ Are you ready to be inspired by the next generation of leaders?

Join us tomorrow morning at the Oxon Hill Library for the 2026 RXI Youth Competition! Our students are bringing incredible professionalism and critical thinking to the stage, tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time:

🗣️ Youth Oratorical Theme: The Impact of AI on the 2026 Election: Voter Suppression or Voter Enhancement?
🔬 STEM Competition Theme: Create a Solution for Diabetic Patients to Prevent Amputation.

We are also deeply honored to welcome our special guest speakers: Prince George's County Councilwoman Wala Blegay and Certified Life Coach Jennifer Kea, who will be sharing their wisdom with our youth!

Let’s pack the lecture hall and show our champions the power of the Region XI network!

📍 Where: Oxon Hill Library – Lecture Hall
⏰ When: Tomorrow, June 13th | 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM

See you there! 👇 Tag a fellow BIG member in the comments and let us know you're coming!

06/11/2026

🚨 CALENDAR UPDATE: Let’s show up for our youth! 🚨

Region XI Family, please note that our June RXI Council Meeting has been rescheduled from this Saturday, June 13th, to Saturday, June 27th!

Why the change? Because this Saturday, we want our entire membership focused on supporting the brilliant minds at our 2026 RXI Youth Competition!

Our students have put in the work, researching massive topics like the impact of AI on the 2026 Election and STEM innovations in healthcare. Now, it’s our turn to fill the room, cheer them on, and show them what Region XI support looks like.

🗓️ Date: THIS Saturday, June 13, 2026
🕥 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (President’s Remarks @ 1:00 p.m.)
📍 Location: Oxon Hill Library – Lecture Hall

Check your inbox for the updated Zoom link for our June 27th Council Meeting. We can’t wait to see you in person this Saturday to celebrate our future leaders!

06/03/2026

🦀 The most anticipated networking event of the summer is back! Join the NOAA BIG Chapter and Region XI professionals for the Annual Crystal Pratt Crab Feast. Whether you are a veteran member or looking to make new connections, this is the perfect afternoon to share stories, build your network, and enjoy incredible food in a welcoming environment.

More importantly, your ticket serves a vital purpose! We are raising funds to support the Barbara Tobe Scholarship Program.

When you click the link to RSVP, you’ll see our campaign goal is set at $5,500. Hitting this milestone allows us to cover the costs of this fantastic event and guarantees a $2,000 direct contribution to fully fund the scholarship. The best part? A portion of every ticket is a tax-deductible donation!

📅 Event Details:

Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location: Argyle Local Park (1030 Forest Glen RD, Silver Spring, MD)

Tickets: Early Bird $75 (Only 50 available—ends June 30th!) | General Admission $85

🌟 A Special Challenge for Our Veteran Members: We challenge every member over 40 to personally invite and sponsor one young professional (under 40) to attend this event with you. Let's actively build our network and empower the next generation together!

Come for the food, stay for the community, and leave knowing you made a difference for our scholarship recipients.

👉 Grab your tickets and check out our progress here: https://conta.cc/4uLdlOM"

06/02/2026

LAST CALL for the hotel block! ⏳🏨

If you are packing your bags to join our BIG family down in Augusta, GA, for the Region IV Training Conference (June 19-20), you need to act fast!

The deadline to secure the special $125/night group rate at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center is this Thursday, June 4th. Whether you are going for the incredible professional workshops, the networking, or the community fellowship, make sure your accommodations are locked in today!

👇🏾 Secure your room at the link below:
https://book.passkey.com/e/50702081

(Still need to register for the conference? You can do that here: https://regionivblacksingovernment.square.site/)

Blacks In Government Regional Triangle Conference Region IV; BIG RTC IV; Blacks In Government