A memorial walk for coach John Beam was held on Wednesday night as hundreds of people came out to celebrate his life. While he was the athletic director and football coach at Laney College, he had an impact on the greater Oakland community.

It was an emotional gathering, as current and former players, students and staff from Laney College and family members came together to remember Beam.

"He means so much to my family," former student Tania Mitchell said. "He was the father figure, mentor and family that would always have your back and check on you.

Tania Mitchell met Beam in 9th grade at Skyline High School and he not only helped her graduate high school and get into college, but he also did the same for her children.

"My first time ever getting tackled was by him. I was a little

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