A public memorial took place on Wednesday at Laney College to celebrate the life of john Beam, one of the most accomplished football coaches in Oakland history. Beam was shot last month on the campus, eventually dying from his injuries. This marked the first public memorial for Beam on the cam pus since that tragic day. Hundreds of people are gathered at the campus for an emotional celebration of life for the legendary coach, who experienced plenty of success both on and off the field. “He means so much to my family. He was that father figure, mentor, always have your back and check on you,” said Tania Mitchell, a Laney College colleague. Other speakers such as Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and the head football coach of Laney College, Josh Ramos, shared stories of how coach beam took the role of mentor seriously when it came to student-athletes. “For 45 years, he showed up when others stepped back, believed in our young people before they believed in themselves,” Lee said. “He wasn’t just a coach, he was a builder of programs, futures, and most importantly of people,” Ramos said. Following the speeches, the large crowd walked to the football field where beam once roamed the sidelines with luminary bags lighting up their pathway. Candles were then placed on the field to honor beam, spelling out “believe.” “Just to see people from far and wide, to see people that loved him. It makes me feel so good,” said Joyce Willis, a Peralta Community College District colleague. And at the same time, a drone show took over the skies of Laney College, displaying images to honor the late coach. A tribute that the crowd says is fitting for a coach who gave so much to the community. “It was great for the community to come together for him. Come out and support him,” Mitchell said. As the memorial came to a close, Beam’s family announced the creation of the Coach Beam Legacy Foundation in his honor, with plans for another public celebration of Beam’s life on Jan. 10. ...read more read less