A Bay Area community is coming together to pay tribute to legendary Oakland football coach John Beam, who was shot on campus and died just one day later. The outpouring of love and remembrance has been visible at Laney College, where Beam served as athletic director for over two decades.
Players from the college's football team, including several who appeared in the Netflix series "Last Chance U," have gathered to honor their beloved coach. They share stories of how Beam's guidance and tough love helped them turn their lives around, both on and off the field.
Beam was more than just a coach to those who knew him; he was a mentor and a father figure. For Junior Jackson, who was told by Beam that he wasn't cut out for football, the coach's words of encouragement steered him towards the track team instead.
As news of Beam's shooting spread, a gun buyback event was held at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, which was previously scheduled but has now become a somber tribute to the fallen coach. Attendees say that Beam's death has driven them to come and pay their respects.
The circumstances surrounding Beam's shooting are still unclear, with police calling it a targeted attack. However, authorities have confirmed that the suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., was not a current student but had loitered on campus and knew Beam.
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of this larger-than-life figure, many say that his death has sparked a renewed commitment to gun safety and prevention. Pastor Michael Wallace notes that he believes the city can "turn this into a positive" by using Beam's legacy as a catalyst for change.
Beam is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his players and his community. His impact on the lives of those who knew him will be deeply felt for years to come, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate those who are left behind.
Players from the college's football team, including several who appeared in the Netflix series "Last Chance U," have gathered to honor their beloved coach. They share stories of how Beam's guidance and tough love helped them turn their lives around, both on and off the field.
Beam was more than just a coach to those who knew him; he was a mentor and a father figure. For Junior Jackson, who was told by Beam that he wasn't cut out for football, the coach's words of encouragement steered him towards the track team instead.
As news of Beam's shooting spread, a gun buyback event was held at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, which was previously scheduled but has now become a somber tribute to the fallen coach. Attendees say that Beam's death has driven them to come and pay their respects.
The circumstances surrounding Beam's shooting are still unclear, with police calling it a targeted attack. However, authorities have confirmed that the suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., was not a current student but had loitered on campus and knew Beam.
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of this larger-than-life figure, many say that his death has sparked a renewed commitment to gun safety and prevention. Pastor Michael Wallace notes that he believes the city can "turn this into a positive" by using Beam's legacy as a catalyst for change.
Beam is remembered for his unwavering dedication to his players and his community. His impact on the lives of those who knew him will be deeply felt for years to come, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate those who are left behind.
this is such a sad story, but I think its awesome that the whole community is coming together like this...it shows how much Coach Beam meant to them. Its crazy that he was more than just a coach, hes like a father figure to so many people. 
and yeah, his death should definitely be making everyone think about gun safety and stuff...I mean, its never okay for anyone to get shot or hurt over anything. 
the players who played football with him are basically saying that his guidance and support helped them in life too, which is really beautiful. 
The whole thing feels a bit too perfect, you know? Like, a coach dies in one day, and suddenly everyone remembers how amazing he was? I mean, don't get me wrong, the guy sounds like he had a huge impact on his players' lives... but wasn't he just doing his job? 
It's a bit suspicious that now everyone's coming together to celebrate him and figure out ways to "turn this into a positive". What about the fact that there was some kind of gun buyback event already scheduled, but it became a tribute instead? Like, did Beam actually need that many people to come and mourn his passing? 
... it's crazy that this happened at a gun buyback event, which was already meant to be a positive step forward for the community. but instead it's being used as a somber tribute to a man who meant so much to so many people 
... Cedric Irving Jr. may not have been a student, but his actions were still reckless and hurtful. hopefully this incident will make people sit up and take notice about gun safety, because it's a major problem in the US 
... Beam's legacy is that of a man who gave his life for others, so let's hope we can use his memory to drive positive change 
this is so sad... a life cut short in such a senseless way 
. the stories shared about his tough love & guidance on and off the field are truly heartwarming 
. it's clear that he meant so much more than just being a coach, but a mentor & father figure 
. his legacy will definitely be a catalyst for positive change in the community 
. it's also amazing to see players from the team & other students coming together to pay tribute 
. this outpouring of love & remembrance is truly inspiring 
. And those players who knew him? They're not just talking about a coach, they're talking about a mentor and a father figure 
. Cedric Irving Jr., what were you thinking?! 
just reading about John Beam and it's hard not to feel the sadness... like a coach should never have to leave us too soon 
. it's amazing to see how his players are coming together to honor him, sharing stories about how he helped them find their way, both on and off the field.
. pastor michael wallace is right, we can use coach beam's legacy as a catalyst for change. it's time for us to take action, to make our communities safer for everyone 
. i'm so grateful for the outpouring of love and remembrance that's happening at laney college, it's truly beautiful 
. I love how the players are coming together to honor him, it's amazing to see such unity and love for someone who had such a huge impact on their lives 
. And y'know what's even more crazy? The gun buyback event that got scheduled as part of his own original plans 
.
. I mean, can you even imagine if someone shot your favorite uncle? 
It's crazy how something so senseless has brought out so much love and respect for this man.
.
It's just heartbreaking.
. And I gotta say, Pastor Wallace is right – we can use this as an opportunity to talk about gun safety and prevention 
.
Anyway, I'm just glad we're seeing so much love and support for this family in need 