Joseph C. Carter

Major General Joseph C. Carter, adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, will receive the Mary Hudson Onley Achievement Award at the 20th annual Heritage Celebration of the Massachusetts Hall of Black Achievement (HOBA) at Bridgewater State College, slated to be held this Saturday night in the college’s East Campus Commons.

The Mary Hudson Onley Award, named after one of Bridgewater’s first graduates of color, is presented each year to a living individual that has had outstanding success in his or her career field, made a significant contribution to society and represents the goals and missions of the Hall. Past recipients of the award include former U.S. Sen. Edward W. Brooke, U.S. Attorney General Wayne Budd, and Ms. Jackie Jenkins-Scott, president of Wheelock College.

As adjutant general, Major General Carter oversees the operation of the Massachusetts National Guard to ensure troops are trained, equipped and mission-ready to support national security objectives, as well as protect life and property, and preserve peace, order and public safety as directed in times of natural disaster and civil emergency.

Prior to assuming his duties as adjutant general, Major General Carter served as the Chief of Police for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Transit Police Department.

Founded in 1987, the Massachusetts Hall of Black Achievement is dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments of individuals of color. The hall inducted its first members in 1988.

Each year, black historic figures that represent this success are posthumously inducted into the Hall. This year’s inductees, Ms. Mary Hudson Onley of New Bedford and Ms. Sarah Anna Lewis of Fall River, join such luminaries as television producer Henry Hampton, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ms. Elma Lewis.

The celebration will be hosted by Fox 25’s Anqunette Jamison and includes a 5 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. dinner, and 7 p.m. program. For ticket information, call 508-531-2388.