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BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® 45TH ANNUAL NATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE Closing Plenary Thursday, August 15, 2024 BLACK EXCELLENCE: Transforming Our Dreams into Reality

BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT® INCORPORATED IN 1976 BLACKS IN GOVERNMENT was organized in 1975 and incorporated as a non-profit organization under the District of Columbia jurisdiction in 1976. BIG functions as a knowledgeable, problem identifying and solving organization for Black civil servants. It is dedicated to: (1) establishing and operating socioeconomic, political, and cultural programs which enhance the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for Blacks; (2) eradicating all vestiges of unlawful treatment towards Blacks; (3) eliminating institutionalized racism which oppresses Blacks and reinforces barriers to full and equal citizenship for Blacks; (4) encouraging pride and motivation in Blacks so as to promote achievement of full potential and recognition of societal contribution; (5) sponsoring a national effort to promote the well- being, education, and professional development of Blacks; (6) acting as an advocate for equal employment opportunities and conditions which affect Blacks. This shall include, but not be limited to, administrative and personnel selections, recruitment, placements, promotions, upward mobility programs, and other similar areas. 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. THE BIG 2024 EXPERIENCE: PROVIDING TOOLS AND STRATEGIES FOR AN INNOVATIVE WORKPLACE

Program Mistress of Ceremony: Ashlen Renee Nettles Call to Order Ashlen Rene Nettles Invocation Honorable Elder Dr. Ethel Crisp, President New Kemet Harambe Chapter, Region V Welcome Remarks Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq. President, Blacks In Government, Inc. Honorable Katherine Cage Chair, National Board of Directors Introduction of Keynote Speaker Ashlen Renee Nettles Keynote Address Leon W. Russell, Chairman NAACP Board of Directors Special Presentation/Presidential Awards Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq. Prestige, and Sterling Awards Honorable Katherine Cage 2025 National Training Institute Announcement Honorable Gregory Reeves Presidential Advisor and Past National President Closing Remarks Honorable Paula E. Davis Chair, National Training Institute Benediction Elder Dr. Ethel Crisp Musical Concert featuring Lady Tramaine Hawkins

Mistress of Ceremony Ashlen Rene Nettles Ashlen Rene Nettles is a woman of many roles and a proud wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. With a strong background in paralegal support, executive assistance, and operations management, Ashlen brings a wealth of experience to her professional life. She excels in organizational and communication skills, ensuring precision and a commitment to excellence in her work. Ashlen holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from Faulkner University, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. In 2016, Ashlen founded and curated the online community "Hey Girl Hey, United!" which now has over 25,000 followers. This digital haven serves as a comforting refuge for women, where Ashlen shares her life’s trials and triumphs to inspire others. The community engages in discussions on faith, family, relationships, and self-improvement, emphasizing self-care and the importance of seeking help when needed. Ashlen's goal is to be a light to others, no matter what paths they cross. She believes that if she can make someone smile, she has done her job. Beyond her digital mission, Ashlen is an advocate for mental health and personal growth. As a proud native of Montgomery, AL, she values community and work-life balance, cherishing time with her husband and family. Ashlen also serves as a member of the Mayor’s Young Professional Council in Montgomery, AL, and is dedicated to making a positive impact both personally and professionally.

Keynote Speaker LEON W. RUSSELL, Chairman NAACP Board of Directors Leon W. Russell was elected Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors at its Annual Board of Directors meeting in New York on February 18, 2017. Mr. Russell has served as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors since 1990. Mr. Russell retired in January 2012 after serving as the Director of the Office of Human Rights for Pinellas County Government, Clearwater, Florida since January 1977. In this position, Mr. Russell was responsible for implementing the county’s Affirmative Action and Human Rights Ordinances which provide for the development of a racially and sexually diverse workforce reflecting the general make-up of the local civilian labor force and the implementation of the county’s Equal Employment Opportunity Programs. Programs involved in the implementation of this ordinance cover employees in all the departments under the County Administrator and the five Constitutional Officer. The Pinellas County Human Rights Ordinance provides protection from illegal discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations for the county’s 923,000 residents. This ordinance has been deemed “substantially equivalent” to Title VIII of the 1968 Federal Fair Housing Act and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Over five hundred formal complaints of discrimination are filed under the ordinance annually.

Special Musical Guest “LADY TRAMAINE” TRAMAINE HAWKINS Gospel Music Legend Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999, Tramaine Hawkins, a gift and voice we came to know and love in the late ‘60s. Literally born in church in the San Francisco Bay Area as her mother, the late Lois Davis, a gospel singer in her own right left a church concert to give birth to Tramaine. At the ripe age of four Tramaine began singing at the Ephesians Church Of God In Christ in Berkley, CA where her grandfather, the late Bishop E. E. Cleveland was pastor. She has been singing ever since. At ten years of age she recorded her first single, “He’s All Right!” as part of a Gospel group known as the Heavenly Tones. Two years later the group was produced by Gospel legend, the Rev. James Cleveland. At fifteen, the Heavenly Tones accepted an offer to travel with Sly & The Family Stone - all except Tramaine. She chose to continue her education and remain in Gospel, and later to join Andre Crouch and the Disciples! In 1969 upon graduating from Berkeley High School, Tramaine joined the Edwin Hawkins Singers and was a part of the Gospel Music Revolution via the recording of “Oh Happy Day.” This recording was the first million-selling Gospel single to top the pop charts as well. additionally, the first “cross over hit” in all cross-sections of the world proving that Gospel has had no boundaries. This also led to Tramaine being able to sing throughout the world with the Hawkins Family. Tramaine’s lead vocals on such classics as “Changed,” “Going Up Yonder,” “Holy One,” “The Potter’s House” (the list goes on and on) are absolutely incomparable. Enjoying a successful solo career, Tramaine remains a force to reckon with in the field of Gospel Music and Ministry. Known to be a trailblazer, she’s gone against the grain many times for the sake of catapulting Gospel Music to another level. Before the recent changes we’ve experienced in the ‘90s, Ms. Hawkins was there in the ‘80s with her controversial hit (to the churches), “Fall Down” which became a number one hit on the dance charts (another first of a Gospel record). This gave Ms. Hawkins an opportunity to minister in the clubs which was greatly frowned upon. However she stood tall ministering in the highways and hedges as commanded and was responsible for many new souls in to the Kingdom of God. “I never left Gospel Music and never will. No matter what I sing, or what the accompaniment/beat is, I always sing about the Lord, about what I believe, about what I live for… I know my heart is in the right place. I will always sing and go where He leads me.” Now residing in Sacramento, CA with husband Tommie E. Richardson, Jr. Tramaine continues to travel the globe participating in conferences, workshops, revivals, and concerts granting as many interviews and appearances along the way as she can. Her last project entitled, “I Never Lost My Praise” was recorded in Glendale, MD at Reid Temple A.M.E. (Pastor Lee P. Washington) with and awesome ensemble of musicians and singers before a who’s who of Gospel music which included the late Queen Of Gospel Albertina Walker and the late Bishop Walter Hawkins among others, produced by the electrifying, prolific writer, singer, producer, Kurt Carr and her son, the multi-talented Walter “Jamie” Hawkins now PASTORING Transforming Love Christian Center in Oakland, CA.

August 4-7, 2025 Gerald R. Reed National Headquarters Building Blacks In Government ® 3005 Georgia Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001 www.bignet.org