Why do we still celebrate Black History Month? What is the intersection of Black History and government contracting? Don’t skip this article just because it seems unrelated at first glance; it is worth reading. We all stand on someone’s shoulders in our life’s journey.
First, in 2023, when information is readily available at our fingertips, why continue to celebrate Black History Month? Doesn’t everyone need a month? This article explores the profound metaphor of “standing on someone’s shoulders” within the context of Black history, with a special focus on Black History Month. Through a narrative that traverses the historical struggles, triumphs, and contributions of African Americans, the article pays homage to those who made sacrifices in the past. It further explores the lives of influential figures such as Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, Andrew Young, Calvin J. Mitchell Jr., and Dr. Joan Parrott-Fonseca, highlighting their crucial roles in government contracting and public service. Black History Month serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges overcome, the progress achieved, and the ongoing work for a better future.
Historical Context: A Time to Acknowledge the Shoulders We Stand On
The precursor to Black History Month, initiated by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, laid the groundwork for acknowledging the significant contributions of African Americans. Initially a week-long celebration, it evolved into a month-long recognition, officially endorsed by President Gerald Ford in 1976. Woodson emphasized the importance of teaching Black history to ensure the survival and recognition of the Black community’s intellectual and physical prowess. The chosen week, coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14), laid the foundation for a broader celebration. At the launch of Negro History Week, Woodson contended that teaching Black History was essential to ensure the physical and intellectual survival of Blacks within broader society: “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition; it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later, from January 2 to February 28, 1970.[4] Six years later, Black History Month was celebrated nationwide in educational institutions, centers of Black culture, and community centers, both great and small. President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976 during the United States Bicentennial, urging Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”[16]
Black History Month has garnered attention from the U.S. business community.[20]
In 2018, Instagram created its first Black History Month program with the help of its Head of Global Music & Youth Culture Communications, SHAVONE. Instagram’s Black History Month program featured a series of first-time initiatives, including a #BlackGirlMagic partnership with Spotify and the launch of the #CelebrateBlackCreatives program, which reached more than 19 million followers.[21] In February 2020, many American corporations commemorated Black History Month, including The Coca-Cola Company, Google, Target Corporation, Macy’s, United Parcel Service and Under Armour.[22]
Armour.
Moving Forward: Whose Shoulders Are We Standing On?
This section highlights key figures like Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, Calvin J. Mitchell Jr., Dr. Joan Parrott-Fonseca, and Andrew Young. Each individual’s contribution to government contracting and public service embodies the ongoing legacy of the shoulders we stand on.
Congressman Parren J. Mitchell
In 1950, Parren Mitchell applied to graduate school at the University of Maryland, but the President of the College Park campus rebuffed him, saying it was “inadvisable for Blacks to attend the College Park campus.” Mitchell and the NAACP sued for admission and prevailed, becoming the first African American to receive a postgraduate degree from the main campus of the University of Maryland. He was a champion of civil rights and led local activists during the civil rights era. Today, the University of Maryland graduates more African Americans per year than any other state university system in the nation. This was the start of his long, productive life fighting for underserved communities.
In 1968, Mitchell decided to run for Congress and challenged nine-term Democratic incumbent Samuel Friedel in the Democratic primary but lost. He sought a rematch in 1970, and this time narrowly defeated Friedel by only 38 votes. He won the general election in November, becoming the first African American to represent the state of Maryland in Congress.
Mitchell was one of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), playing a significant role in crafting the identity of the new organization. As of 2019, the CBC has 55 members.
During his sixteen years in Congress, he served on multiple committees, including as Chairman of the House Small Business Committee. Through this committee and as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, he earned a reputation as a staunch supporter of Black-owned businesses. In 1978, Public Law 95-507 created a pilot program for contracts set-aside for socially disadvantaged businesses, including Black-owned firms. Because of this, Mitchell is known as the father of the federal set-aside program, allowing ten percent of federal business contracts to be awarded to minority-owned businesses.
This landmark legislation paved the way for today’s 8(a) Program and every other small business program. “I worked very hard in Congress to get laws on the books to benefit minority businesses,” Mitchell told Sonny Goldreich in the Baltimore Business Journal. “Everywhere I speak, I say, ‘This is the second phase of the civil rights movement. We cannot expect to be full-fledged citizens until we fully participate in the economy.’”
Intersection of Black History and Government Contracting: A Brief History of the 8(a) Program
To fully appreciate the magnitude of Parren Mitchell’s impact on society, we need to understand the 8(a) Business Development Program. The 8(a) Program allows minority business owners who control 51% or more of a small business to obtain certification as an 8(a) company. Through this certification, 8(a) companies can win set-aside contracts and secure government procurement contracts that other non-8(a) companies are excluded from. The greatest benefit of the 8(a) certification is Sole Source Contracts (SSC). Sole Source Contracts are direct award projects to one company. There is no bidding or competitive procurement process; it is awarded purely based on the company’s capabilities and the trust of the contracting officer. Most importantly, SSCs have a high ceiling of $4 million. A certified 8(a) company can receive a direct award up to $4 million without having to compete with other companies.
From Parren Mitchell’s Shoulder to the Next Generation
Calvin J. Mitchell Jr.
In 2021, Mitchell assumed the role of Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of Education. With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, Mitchell has been instrumental in implementing small business procurement programs, ensuring opportunities for all socioeconomic categories. His leadership across various government agencies reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity.
Dr. Joan Parrott-Fonseca
Dr. Parrott-Fonseca’s comprehensive career in local, state, and federal government service, along with her roles in the private and non-profit sectors, exemplifies dedication. As the first woman to direct the Minority Business Development Agency, she initiated a strategy to include all women-owned businesses as clients. Her advocacy and leadership continue to empower women in the business arena.
Andrew Young
Elected as the second African American Mayor of Atlanta in 1981, Andrew Young’s transformative tenure brought $70 billion in private investment, expanding programs for minority and female-owned businesses. His contributions extended beyond economics, with initiatives like the Dream Jamboree College Fair, showcasing a commitment to education. Young’s legacy as a civil rights activist and public servant solidifies Atlanta as a cultural epicenter for Black America.
The efforts of Congressman Mitchell, Dr. Fonseca, Andrew Young, and Calvin Mitchell lay the metaphorical shoulders upon which future generations in government contracting can stand. What was accomplished—the shoulders—illustrates the purpose of the Government Contractors Association. We are here to strengthen the next generation of shoulders to prepare for future challenges and opportunities.
The Shoulders of the Government Contractors Association
OUR WHY
The small business community is significantly disadvantaged in the government contracting market. 99.7% of all U.S. companies are defined as small by the SBA (Small Business Administration). Yet, only 22% of federal contracting dollars are awarded to these organizations. The disparities for women, minorities, veterans, and other business owners are enormous. Our goal is to be an agent of change by helping companies get their fair share of opportunities in the government market.
Government Contractors Association, Inc. (GCA)
GCA is a national trade association comprising commercial contractors (small and large companies) and government agencies (federal, state, local, government staff, universities, non-profits, etc.).
VISION
To create access. Our vision is to open doors for commercial companies into the government market and to support government agencies in accessing qualified contractors.
MISSION
To educate, facilitate, and advocate for our membership base by becoming the premier government contracting association with these three pillars:
Educate: We are a training institution with educational curriculum, resources, and certification training. We provide the following resources:
- Certified Capture Manager (CCM™): Establish industry standards by training certified professionals.
- Seminars & Training: Courses to equip our members.
- E-Learning and Webinars: Online and distance learning tools.
Facilitate: We will foster networking groups, alliance groups, teaming opportunities, joint venture formations, mentor protégé relationships, and contracting relationships between the private and public sectors. We will do this through social media, monthly meetings, annual conferences and networking functions.
Advocate: We will promote, inform, and be a voice for supportive legislation to enhance and open doors for greater opportunities, transparencies, and accountability for our members.
What’s Next?
If you are still reading, what do you do now? What is the call to action?
“If you believe in fighting racism, you make a commitment for the rest of your life. There’s no getting off that train. You can’t say I’ve put five years in fighting racism and now I’m finished. No, you are not finished. Our job is to fight it every day, to continue to shove it down and when it rises up to shove it down even harder.” — Parren J. Mitchell, 1922 – 2007
- Change Your Mindset: Understand that government contracting isn’t out of reach for Black people. It’s not a scary entity but a field where you can participate and succeed.
- Take Action: Learn about what the government buys and how you can engage in that process. Visit USASpending.gov to access official government spending data and discover opportunities.
- Small Business Association (SBA): Connect with the SBA in your area. They offer numerous free resources and assistance to help you navigate government contracting.
- Government Contractors Association (GCA): Explore the classes, trainings, lunch and learns, and proposal services offered by GCA to advance your contracting endeavors.
Conclusion
The symbolic journey of standing on someone’s shoulders encapsulates the essence of Black History Month. By recognizing and honoring the past, individuals draw strength to carry the baton forward. Figures like Mitchell, Parrott-Fonseca, and Young serve as inspirational beacons, guiding future generations toward contributing to the ongoing narrative of Black excellence and resilience. As we reflect on Black History Month, it is a call to action for continued progress, acknowledging achievements, and addressing the work that remains ahead.
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