Uncrowned Community Builders

Cecelia Henderson is a native of Hampton Virginia. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo where she received both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Her area of postgraduate studies was in Prevention, Crisis, and Substance Abuse.

For thirty-four years Mrs. Henderson worked as a Prevention Specialist for the Buffalo Board of Education. While in this capacity, she was a curriculum member responsible for drug and sex education; certified HIV/AIDS instructor; coordinator of the New York State Pilot Drug Program; committee member for teacher candidate interviews; curriculum resource facilitator; and health education teacher. Her professional memberships included the Student Assistance Personnel (SAP) program, Buffalo Teachers Federation, New York State Education Association, National Education Association, Student Assistance Professionals Organization, and the Retired Teachers Organization. Mrs. Henderson retired from her position with the Board of Education in 1999.

An active member of the New Hope Baptist Church, Mrs. Henderson serves as Secretary on both the Board of Christian Education and Budget Committee. She also chaired numerous church events including the 20th Pastoral Anniversary and Retirement; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Breakfast; Graduate Recognition Banquet, Homecoming Celebration, Scholarship Committee; and Youth Enrichment Program.

Mrs. Henderson has been a very active member of The Links, Incorporated for nearly thirty years. She has served the organization on the local, regional, and national levels. She is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she currently serves as the Great Lakes Region Program Chair. In addition, Mrs. Henderson is an active member in several civic organizations. These include H&G Family Club (past President), Nardin Academy Parent's Council (past President), American Lung Association of Western New York (Board Director), New York State Lung Association (Board Director-at-large), Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society (Board Director), Afro-American Historical Society, NAACP ACT-SO, Buffalo Urban League, and American Association of University Women.

Mrs. Henderson has been the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of her service to the community: Buffalo Ambassador (2000); Network of Religious Communities, Outstanding Ecumenical Service (2000); Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, Service Award (1999); Award of Excellence, Black Achievers in Industry (1998), 1490 Jefferson Enterprises; Buffalo Board of Education award, Services to Youth (1998); Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Service Appreciation Award, Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter (1998); National Council of Negro Women, National Community Leader of the Year (1997); New York Council of Negro Women, New York State Community Leader of the Year (1997); Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Helping Somebody Award (1997); Citizens Committee on Rape, Sexual Assault, Sexual Abuse, Excellence in Leadership Award (1996); Police Community Services, D.A.R.E. Award (1996); Who's Who Among American Educators (1996); Buffalo Teachers Federation, Outstanding Dedication and Commitment Award (1995); American Lung Association of Western New York (1994); Buffalo Ambassador (1991); Outstanding Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Soror (1984); and Outstanding Young Women of America (1973).

Mrs. Henderson is married to Dr. Leon Henderson, Director of Personnel (Retired), Buffalo Board of Education. They have three children, Celia F. Settles, Leon Henderson, Jr., and Tanya E. Henderson, and four grandchildren.