Birdell Beeks honored with Minneapolis street name 10 years after stray bullet death
A family is still searching for healing 10 years after a stray bullet killed an innocent grandmother in north Minneapolis.
On Tuesday, the city is honoring her memory with a street dedication where she was killed.
For the past 10 years, Birdell Beeks' family has returned to North Penn and 21st avenues every May 26. On Tuesday, they'll gather there again, but this year is different. The intersection will now carry the honorary name Birdell Beeks Way.
Beeks was 58 years old when she was shot and killed in 2016. She was driving her granddaughter to pick up a summer job application when gunfire broke out nearby. Police called her an innocent bystander.
Every year, her family releases balloons at 6:03 p.m. That's the exact time they believe she was shot. On Tuesday, they'll also unveil the new street sign.
The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved naming the intersection in Beeks'. Family members say they hope it keeps her memory alive and reminds people of the lasting impact of gun violence.
Loved ones say Beeks was the rock of their family, known for her cooking and willingness to help anyone.
Bunny and Dalesha Beeks are remembering their mother, Birdell Beeks.
"It still hurts," said Dalesha Beeks.
"This was a significant life that was lost to gun violence," said Bunny Beeks.
Since the shooting, family has maintained Birdell's memorial where she lost her life. Dalesha Beeks visits often for talks with her mom.
City Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw said Birdell's family reached out to her last year, hoping to do something more to commemorate her life.
"I think it's just a beautiful thing for us to be able to honor folks from our community," said Vetaw.
Not only does it further memorialize their mother, Bunny and Dalesha Beeks said it also serves as one more reminder to stop the violence.
"It's a mixed emotion. It's happy and sad emotion that she will forever be remembered, not just by us, but by the entire community," said Bunny Beeks.
A man was found guilty for Beeks' murder back in 2018. He said he was trying to shoot at a rival gang member when he accidentally hit Beeks.
