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 campus 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

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