Blacks In Government (BIG)

https://bignet.org/big-honors-the-legacy-of-rev-jesse-jackson/

BIG Honors the Legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson | Blacks In Government, Inc. Today, I join each of you in reflecting on the life and legacy of Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson

🚨 BIG Presents: VOTE TALK

In honor of Black History Month, the 2026 National Project BIG Vote Committee invites you to join an important national conversation.

🗳️ VOTE TALK
📅 Tuesday, February 24, 2026
⏰ 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. CST

“The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.”
— Rep. John Lewis

Hear from national leaders as we discuss:
✔️ The importance of voter engagement in a critical election year
✔️ The power of the Black vote
✔️ Current threats to voting rights
✔️ Legislative advocacy priorities

Featuring:
Hon. Deena M. Sheppard
Attorney Aditya McDuffy
Mr. Anthony Lee

📌 Join the conversation and make your voice count.

Black history has never been neutral — and neither has the experience of Black public servants.

President Groves reflects on why truth, leadership, and service continue to face resistance, and why Blacks In Government remains steadfast in this moment.

👉🏾 Read the full message: https://bignet.org/black-history-has-never-been-neutral/

As we approach this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express how truly blessed I am to serve as the 16th National President of Blacks In Government. It is an honor to stand at the helm of the greatest organization in the world, supported by members whose dedication, service, and strength inspire me every single day.

This year has brought good times, tough times, challenges, and triumphs. Through it all, you have remained steadfast in your commitment to advancing BIG’s mission and uplifting our communities. Much of the work you do goes unseen, but it never goes unnoticed. Your service matters. Your voice matters. You matter.

During this Thanksgiving week, I encourage all of us to pause, breathe, and reflect—not on the pressures or uncertainties of government, but on the blessings in our lives. Step away from the politics, the stress, and anything that disrupts your peace. Take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy precious moments with your families, friends, and loved ones.

As we continue our work for justice and equality, let us be guided by the words of Isaiah 1:17:
"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; Plead the case of the widow."

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to BIG and for standing strong in service to our communities and to each other. I am deeply grateful for each of you.

Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

David A. Groves
16th National President
Blacks In Government

Here are some more resources that offer free food, free oil changes (for specific cars), and more!

• Nov 3-25: FREE Holiday Meals for DC families in need (including furloughed federal employees and contractors https://breadforthecity.org/holidayhelpings/

• World Central Kitchen's Relief Team is providing FREE meals to federal employees and their families (location is in DC) https://wck.org/news/distro-sites-govt-shutdown

• Moby Dick House of Kabobs - FREE lunch sandwiches for federal employees every weekday from 11 am to 2 pm (any location) https://www.popville.com/2025/10/dc-free-lunch-option-for-furloughed-feds/

• Capital Area Food Bank - Free food distribution for federal workers and contractors https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/dmv-help/?utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

• Columbia Community Care - Food Bank in Columbia, MD (no ID needed) https://columbiacommunitycare.org/what-we-do/hunger-relief/

• Nourish Now - works with local churches to provide food assistance https://nourishnow.org/receive-food-assistance/

• Free Food at Ekiben in Baltimore (any location) for furloughed employees (must show ID) https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQIB2BlkQTn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

• Free IKEA breakfast for furloughed government employees and contractors (College Park & Woodbridge locations) https://www.ikea.com/us/en/stores/events/ikea-college-park-md/shut-down-got-you-down--946526a5-fa5f-4f69-a7c9-1c90e3ea1927/

• Answers to Common Questions about Food Assistance and Other Benefits https://mdfoodbank.org/news/federal-government-shutdown-information-for-our-neighbors/

• Greater Baltimore Area Food Banks and Schedules https://mdfoodbank.org/find-food/

• FREE In-Home Oil Change & Service - Federal employees who own a Ford, Lincoln, or Mazda https://koonsmotors.com/federal-employee-assistance

• Free MARC and Commuter Bus for Federal employees working during shutdown https://www.wfmd.com/2025/10/17/free-rides-for-federal-worker-on-the-marc-train-commuter-bus-service-in-maryland-during-government-shutdown/

• The Lewis Museum (Baltimore) - Free Admission for Federal Workers https://www.instagram.com/p/DP3o1jQkSLs/

• The José Andrés Group: free dine-in lunch (11:30 am – 3:00 pm, Mon–Fri) https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/jose-andres-restaurants-in-dc-offer-free-lunch-to-federal-workers-during-government-shutdown/

• State of Maryland - Maryland Workers Impacted by Recent Federal Actions https://response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/shutdown

• Navy Federal Government Shutdown Assistance https://www.navyfederal.org/about/government-shutdown.html

• Free Pet Exams - Palisades Vet Clinic https://www.palisadesvetclinic.com/

Time-sensitive Furlough Resource:

Salvation Army is giving a $300 courtesy credit towards your electric bill, regardless of income and regardless of being behind or not.

https://sahelp.org/home/welcome

Please apply ASAP before they run out of funds.

sahelp.org

📢 Don’t miss the BIG Virtual Legislative Town Hall Meeting!

🗓 Saturday, September 13, 2025 |🕐 1–3 PM EDT

Hear directly from:
✨ Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS)
✨ Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA)
✨ Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD)

💡 Join us 15 minutes early to get your virtual seat.

👉 Register today: BIGNET.org/townhall

We are thrilled to announce the Installation Service for Blacks in Government (BIG), celebrating a new chapter of leadership and dedication to excellence. This event symbolizes our ongoing commitment to empowering public servants, fostering professional development, and championing equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Join us as we usher in a new era of "Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers!"

Blacks In Government