Oakland is mourning the loss of John Beam, a longtime figure in local athletics and education. Beam, who served as Athletic Director at Laney College and previously held coaching positions at both Laney and Skyline High School, died last Friday. He also taught at Frick Junior High School, now known as Frick United Academy of Language.
Beam’s career spanned more than forty years in Oakland. Tributes have come from across the country since his passing. Notably, Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry and Head Coach Steve Kerr recognized Beam’s impact during recent news conferences. Moments of silence were observed at football games throughout the city.
Dr. Denise Saddler, Superintendent of Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), released a statement reflecting on Beam’s influence: “Like so many across our city, I got to know John Beam because we always had the same mission: impacting young lives. And after spending more than four decades in education here in Oakland, I can say there was no one like him. He directly impacted thousands of boys and young men. He gave many a sense of purpose they had yet to find. Senses of direction and teamwork they so badly needed. He created leaders. He changed the trajectory of countless lives.”
Beam led teams to numerous championships during his tenure, including 15 league titles with Skyline High School and a state championship with Laney College in 2018. However, Saddler emphasized that his legacy extends beyond sports achievements: “But to me, the championships that truly mattered were all the boys he worked with who found themselves in ways they otherwise might not have were it not for his presence, his guidance, and his love.”
Saddler also addressed ongoing concerns about gun violence in Oakland: “And we all know his loss is another in a long line of devastating examples of gun violence that continues to plague our city. We are frustrated. Heartbroken. Perhaps feeling helpless.”
She concluded by urging the community to honor Beam’s memory through action: “If John Beam showed his players anything, it’s that they have the power to change their circumstances… To carry on Coach Beam’s legacy, we need to lead, guide, and love the young people of this city so that they know there is always a better way.”
The district joins others across Oakland in remembering John Beam’s contributions to students and athletes over several decades.
