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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E583-E584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING BEATRICE ``BEBE'' COKER
______
HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER
of delaware
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today, on behalf of my
colleagues Senator Tom Carper and Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, to
honor and congratulate Beatrice ``Bebe'' Coker, a mother, sister,
artist, advocate, mentor, leader, and recipient of the 2019 John H.
Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award.
Bebe, as she is affectionately called, is a lifelong advocate for
quality public education, the arts, and diversity and inclusion. She
was honored by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce affiliate, The
Partnership, Inc., at Superstars in Education Reception and Awards
Ceremony on May 13, 2019, for her unrelenting dedication and leadership
in advancing education for all children and making our community a
better place to live and work.
Ms. Coker is a revered community mobilizer and literacy advocate, as
well as a champion of social justice in Delaware. Among her many
contributions to our state, Ms. Bebe was appointed by former Gov.
Pierre S. du Pont to join the Citizens Alliance for Public Education to
ensure the peaceful desegregation of Delaware schools. She has
volunteered for countless organizations, including The Christiana
Cultural Art Center, the NAACP Young Adults Group and the Metropolitan
Wilmington Urban League. She chaired the State Civil Rights Commission
and has aided numerous organizations focused on literacy.
Bebe holds a bachelor's degree from Morgan State University and a
Doctor of Humanities from Delaware State University. She is a
playwright, poet, and lyricist. She is, quite simply, a renaissance
woman.
Never one to shy away from fighting for what she believed in, her
work throughout Delaware has had a tremendous impact on us all. As a
writer, or through her work in the community, she has always been an
honest story teller--the stories of our past, our present, and those
that inform the work we do to create a better future.
A mentor to many young people, Ms. Coker's greatest source of pride
and support is embodied in her three ``daughter/best
[[Page E584]]
friends'', retired Capt. Laurie Coker, U.S. Navy Public Health
Services, CDC, Atlanta, GA; Dr. Joan Coker, Head and Neck Surgeon,
Wilmington, DE; and Julie Coker Graham, President & CEO, Philadelphia
Convention & Visitors Bureau. While each has accomplished much in the
``career-world'', Ms. Coker's pride stems from each embracing a love of
service to others as their privilege and responsibility.
A community activist in Delaware for over 50 years, Bebe is an
inspiration to me. I am proud to stand here today with my fellow
Delawareans honoring an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary
heart, who is steadfast and unmovable in our community and who
consistently sacrifices her time and talent to improve the lives of
others. Ms. Coker's anchor is her strong faith in God and lifelong
words she was taught to live by, ``Don't let your talents take you,
where your character can't keep you. It is all about the ``integrity of
one--you''.
____________________