BROCKTON — A business owner known for service in the community was awarded for Black excellence from the Statehouse.
Fred Fontaine, a Brockton resident who owns several businesses in the city, received the Black Excellence on the Hill Award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.
"It was really surprising," he said, "but I was happy to receive it on behalf of everyone who's working to make a better community."
Fontaine was nominated by Rep. Claire Cronin, a Democrat whose district includes Brockton and Easton, to receive the honor. It was announced during the caucus's Black Excellence on the Hill event last month, Black History Month, recognizing leaders across the state for work in fields like business, civic engagement and education.