Beatrice “Bebe” Coker is a community activist of over 50 years who continues to make an impact in Delaware. She is a playwright, poet and lyricist and a strong advocate for high-quality public education. Her plays have appeared locally and off-broadway.

She is the Founding Director for the Black Heritage Educational/Theater Group, an organization that collaborates with literacy programs all over the city and county for African American youth.

She was appointed by former Gov. Pierre S. du Pont to join the Citizens Alliance for Public Education to help ensure the peaceful desegregation of schools. She is a graduate of Morgan State University and has worked in social services, public and community relations and diversity training. In addition to her community service and commitment to improving Delaware’s education system, Coker is a playwright, poet and lyricist. Now retired, she has also served co-director of the Delaware Black Heritage Educational Theater Group, an organization that collaborates with literacy programs all over the city and county for African American youth, and as chair of the Stagehands of Christina Cultural Arts Center in Wilmington.

In May 2019, Coker was awarded the John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award which recognizes someone within the community who has provided sustained leadership in advancing Delaware education and who, by doing so, has also made the community a better place in which to live and work. The Partnership Inc. is the 501(c)(3) education affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.