The Center for Heirs' Property Preservation® is proud to announce the recipient of this year's Danielle Hope Watson Commitment to Justice award is Cecelia Gordon Rogers. Mrs. Rogers has an extensive background in community building, providing access to education, and serving as a mentor. Mrs. Rogers has made service and education her life’s mission. Her pursuit of equity and justice began early as she participated in the sit ins in 1960, with a group of fellow Burke High School students, at the Kress store in downtown Charleston. As the Executive Director at Charleston Development Academy Public Charter School (CDA) for over 10 years, Mrs. Rogers states that she was very fortunate that she had been empowered to live her passion daily. Mrs. Rogers is a strong advocate for encouraging and motivating children, young people, and adults to pursue educational excellence. A product of the Charleston Public School System, as graduate of Buist Elementary and Burke High Schools, she was always inspired to put forth best efforts as well as to always make good choices. She earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the College of Charleston and the Citadel, Cecelia is certified in the areas of Elementary Education, Early Childhood, Administration and Supervision. Additionally, she has further studied locally, state-wide, and nationally in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Rogers truly believes “if we love, nurture and care for our children and their families, we will begin to break down barriers for developing appropriate communication. Mrs. Rogers education work was highlighted in Courageous Leadership in Early Childhood Education, Taking a Stand for Social Justice. In the book Mrs. Rogers stated that "Having been a person of the Civil Rights Movement, it is hard to support the status quo."