BIG and NAACP Establish Strategic Partnership to Advance Civic Engagement, Equity and Opportunity
Washington, DC & Baltimore, MD – Blacks In Government, Inc. (BIG) and NAACP Empowerment Programs, Inc. have formalized a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to reinforce their shared missions of advocating for the inclusion and development of Black employees across local, state, and federal governments, while promoting equity, political rights, and social inclusion for all individuals, with a particular focus on Black communities. This collaboration aims to strengthen both organizations' ability to implement initiatives that create a sustainable impact within their communities.
The primary objectives of this partnership include:
Civic Engagement: The organizations will create programs aimed at educating and empowering Black voters, employing data-driven strategies to boost participation in local, state, and federal elections.
Maximize Resources: Both parties will collaborate by sharing tools and resources, including access to voter databases and civic engagement platforms, to optimize outreach and effectiveness.
Leadership and Development: The NAACP and BIG will host educational workshops, training sessions, and community forums to promote awareness, advocate for the inclusion and development of Black employees across local, state, and federal governments, and encourage civic participation, equity, and opportunity.
"We are enthusiastic about this collaboration," remarked the Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq., National President of Blacks In Government. "Together, we will work to ensure the inclusion and development of Black employees across local, state, and federal governments, dismantle barriers to civic engagement, and empower the Black community in shaping our democracy now and in the future."
"As anti-Black activists seek to undermine the progress we have secured through over a century of advocacy, it is crucial that we push back in order to keep advancing forward,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “We're proud to team up with Blacks In Government and continue forging new pathways to the representation we need and deserve at the local, state, and federal levels. Together, we will forge the future we deserve."
“For over a century, the NAACP has displayed our firm commitment to advancing representation in order to achieve equity,” said Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the Board of Directors, NAACP. “The progress we've made thus far is a direct result of the representation we've secured to date. We're not stopping there. NAACP is proud to embark on a new journey through our alliance with Blacks In Government, utilizing a data-driven approach to bolster our collective impact to ensure that government works for everybody."
The partnership will also prioritize ongoing education regarding constitutional rights, the detrimental effects of racial discrimination, and the civic, economic, and educational initiatives that enhance community strength.
For more information about the partnership and upcoming initiatives, please contact: communications@bignet.org or communications@naacpnet.org.