A Community's Heartbreak: Remembering Laney College's John Bean

There are some days, you know, when the news hits just a little bit different. And honestly, Friday, November 14th, was undeniably one of those days for Oakland, for the East Bay, and for the entire Laney College family. Because it was then that we learned the devastating truth: John Bean, their larger-than-life football coach, a man who, you could truly say, embodied the very spirit of the community, had tragically passed away. Shot just the day before on the very campus he called home, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a profound, aching void.

For so many, Coach Bean wasn't just a figure on the sidelines. No, he was a pillar, a mentor, sometimes even a second father. He was a force, really, known for that blend of tough love and unwavering support that only the best coaches seem to master. He didn’t just teach plays; he taught life. He taught discipline, yes, but also resilience. He saw potential in kids others might have overlooked, pulling them off the streets, shaping them not just into athletes, but into young men ready to tackle the world beyond the gridiron. His influence? It stretched far, far beyond the confines of the football field, touching countless lives, shaping destinies.

The details, as they’ve emerged, paint a grim picture. It was Thursday afternoon, sometime around 1:30 PM, near the track at Laney College, when the unthinkable happened. Coach Bean was shot. Rushed to Highland Hospital, the community held its breath, praying, hoping against hope for a different outcome. But sadly, the bullet’s damage was too great. As of now, the investigation into this senseless act continues, a haunting reminder of how fragile life can be, how quickly joy can turn to sorrow. And still, no suspect has been publicly identified, nor has any motive been revealed. It leaves you wondering, doesn't it?

The outpouring of grief, the sheer shock, has been immediate and immense. Laney College President Dr. Rudy Besikof spoke of a "tragic loss for our entire community," words echoed by Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Jannett Jackson. But beyond the official statements, it’s the personal anecdotes that truly hit home: the former players sharing stories of how Coach Bean saved them, guided them, believed in them when no one else would. He was, in truth, a beacon. A man who, after playing football himself at UC Berkeley, dedicated his life to lifting others up, coaching at places like Contra Costa College and City College of San Francisco before finding his true calling at Laney.

So, here we are, left to grapple with the unimaginable. A man of immense heart, a true giant in every sense of the word, gone too soon, too violently. It's a tragedy that shakes you to your core, prompting reflection on community, safety, and the lasting legacy one dedicated person can leave behind. John Bean's memory, though, will undoubtedly live on—in the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the enduring spirit of resilience he instilled in so many.