\u201cWe are deeply grateful to the Oakland community and beyond for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support during this painful time,\u201d the statement, signed \u201cThe Beam Family\u201d released by Tish Gallegos, the spokesperson for the family.<\/p>\n
Never miss a story. Sign up for The Oaklandside\u2019s free daily newsletter.<\/p>\n
In the statement, the family also mentioned the family of the suspect<\/a>, 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to acknowledge the family of the individual in custody for this tragedy,\u201d reads the statement. \u201cWe know they, too, are suffering, and we extend our hearts to them.\u201d<\/p>\n Two public memorials have been planned in Oakland, one organized by Coach Beam\u2019s former students and mentees, and one by the Oakland Public Library.<\/p>\n If you know of any other events that will honor Coach Beach, please email me at: azucena@oaklandside.org<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n The main branch of the Oakland Public Library is collecting written tributes<\/a> honoring Coach Beam. Once the notebook is complete, the library plans to give it to his family. The tribute book is located on the first floor near the new books section. No deadline has been set for how long the book will remain available to sign. Celebrating the life and legacy of Coach Beam at Everett Jones<\/p>\n Skyline High School alumni from the class of 1993 \u2014 many of whom were mentored by Coach Beam \u2014 are hosting a community event at Everett and Jones to honor the late coach. According to Johnnie Beam, a former football player mentored by Beam<\/a>, the event will serve as a way to gather and mourn together. Food is not included but can be purchased at the restaurant. Screening of \u201cLast Chance U\u201d at The New Parkway hosted by Skyline High class of 2000<\/p>\n The class of 2000 committee members Molly R. Lorenz, Charles (Chuck) Lassey, Christina M. Macalino, and Manjinder Mahal-Sangha are hosting a dual event to honor Coach Beam and celebrate the 25th class reunion. The first half includes the screening of an episode of the Netflix show, then an open mic for anyone in attendance who wants to share stories of Coach Beam. The screening will be followed by the class reunion at a nearby bar. Follow the Skyline class of 2000 Instagram page<\/a> for more details. The committee is also finalizing a teacher appreciation grant<\/a> inspired by educators like Coach Beam in partnership with Oakland Ed Fund.\u00a0 \u2026 We have a small favor to ask.<\/p>\n We work for you to provide free and independent journalism covering the stories that matter most in Oakland \u2013 and we rely on readers like you to make our work possible. That\u2019s why we\u2019re asking you to contribute to our year-end membership campaign today. We\u2019ve set a goal to raise $205,000 by Dec. 31 and we\u2019re counting on readers like you to help get us there.\u00a0<\/p>\n Your support will enable us to continue doing the reporting Oakland needs. So, what do you say? Will you chip in today?<\/p>\n “*” indicates required fields<\/p>\n \t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AP25321825315521-1600x1067.jpg\")
Flowers and signs are displayed at a sidewalk memorial for former Oakland football coach John Beam at Laney College, Nov. 17, 2025. Credit: AP Photo\/Jeff Chiu
\nCollecting written tributes at the Oakland Public Library<\/p>\n
Oakland Public Library Main Branch, Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 124 14th St.<\/p>\n
Friday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m., 126 Broadway<\/p>\n
Saturday, Dec. 27, 3 p.m., follow the Instagram account to get ticket link once available, 474 24th St.<\/p>\n