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The passing of Legendary Coach John Beam has brought in an on-pouring of heartfelt tributes and dedications both on the football field and at the growing number of gatherings taking place in Oakland.
Starting with a Men’s unity hike in Oakland hills, a Celebration at Q’s Lounge and a Light the Path Walk from Laney to the Stadium.
Longtime Skyline High School and Laney College football coach, Beam compiled an astonishing160-33-3 record at Skyline before taking over at Laney College, where he was featured on Netflix’s Last Chance U. Coach Beam was dedicated to making sure his athletes became the best they could be.
The Men’s Unity Hike will provide an outlet for men and athletes connect with their emotions and honor him near Skyline Blvd where he coached for years.

Game Ball for Coach John Beam: The 4th Quarter of a Remarkable Man
The Championship Season: A Celebration of Life Playbook

Pre-Game Warm-Up, The Coin Toss officiated by Mario Bobino – The Referee, Prayer – Opening Whistle by Jamaal Kizzie: 92’ OL: West Texas A&M University,

1st Quarter Kickoff (Tributes) speakers -02-05
KaSelah Crockett: Track, Joe Bates 04’ DB/05’

“I used to get mad at Coach Beam for giving me feedback. He didn’t give a damn he was going to push excellence regardless. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”- Coach Joe Bates

2nd Quarter: The Highlight Reel (Tributes)
Gerris Wilkinson (Superbowl Winner)
Kirk Johnson, Jerry Bailey 99’ Joe Cannon ‘97

3rd Quarter Locker Room Talk
Donald Dicko, Derrick Gardner, Kevin Parker

“Coach Beam has poured his heart and soul into the community for over 40 years and positively affected the lives of so many people, especially my family. Now it’s time to sit back and enjoy this next chapter, which I know will be just as amazing.” – Hassan Dicko

4th Quarter: The Coach’s Corner
Will Blackwell 91’, Damon Owens, Adam Goldberg, Eric Alberts, and Dion Struthers

As each student athlete got up to speak and share their fondest memories of Coach Beam, I could only feel empathy and compassion for The Beam Family as they sat there and listened.The purpose of this gathering was not only to Honor the Life and Legacy of a Legend…but to remind The Beam Family that we are here for them every step of the way.To remind them, that the seeds Coach Beam sowed into the lives of 1,000’s of Men & Women in Oakland were not in vain.Those seeds of hope, love, character, and integrity have germinated into FRUITFUL MEN & WOMEN who have grown up to be PRODUCTIVE human beings (fathers, mothers, business owners, politicians, first responders, community organizers, Tradesmen(women), doctors, and coaches. – Damon Owens

“I know that the loss of your luminary, transformational coach leaves a huge void and hole,” Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee told the crowd before they walked through the campus to the football field for Beam’s memorial. “We’ve lost not only a coach, but a force of love, of hope and belief in young people.”

As we all continue to mourn the passing of Coach John Beam, each day we are reminded of the positive force for change he has been – always on his front foot, leading with energy, passion and compassion. While he will no longer be able to carry this work forward himself, it is important to ensure this work continues.
The Beam family is forming Coach Beam’s Legacy Foundation in his honor, to allow his name and work to live on in perpetuity and continue to benefit the community he loved and dedicated his life to uplift and inspire.
We ask everyone to keep his legacy alive through your thoughts, actions and if so moved, through financial support of his Foundation.
Remember his words: “I believe in you so you can believe in yourself.”

On Wednesday December 10, 2025 at Laney College Oakland, Light the Path, Light the Field
“Together, we’ll walk from the Bistro to the football stadium (approx. 0.3 miles), symbolically retracing the path Coach Beam walked with countless students — from mentorship and learning to teamwork and community building. This is a moment for reflection, connection, and honoring the field he loved.” -Monica Beam