10 years after killing of north Minneapolis grandmother Birdell Beeks, her daughter carries on her legacy
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The time 6:03 p.m. is seared into the mind of Bunny Beeks. It was the moment the first shotspotter went off in Minneapolis the day her mother’s life was taken by a stray bullet, on May 26, 2016.
Tuesday will mark 10 years since that day. And at 6:03 p.m. Birdell Beeks Way will be unveiled in north Minneapolis at the intersection where she was killed: 21st Avenue North between Penn Avenue North and Queen Avenue North.
“That time has always been important to us,” Bunny Beeks told Minnesota Now host Nina Moini, “When we go out to celebrate her at that location, it's always at that time.”
Bunny and her family go to the intersection for celebrations like birthdays, holidays and Mother’s Day. Now when they go, they’ll be able to look up at Birdell’s name.
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Birdell was killed in the crossfire of a shooting while sitting in her minivan with her 16-year-old granddaughter, who is Bunny’s daughter. Birdell was 58 years old. Two people were charged for her killing.
Birdell was a nurse at North Memorial Hospital and known as the grandmother of her neighborhood.
“The kids in the neighborhood knew if they needed a meal or they were locked out of the house and lost their keys, or whatever the case may be, she was there with open arms and an open door for them to come in,” Bunny said.
Birdell’s granddaughter was not physically injured in the shooting, but the trauma is lasting. Bunny said loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks still trigger her daughter.
“It's still a struggle to this day. I think it will forever be a struggle for her,” she said.
Bunny said her daughter is set to graduate college soon with a degree in social work, a professional career she is pursuing, inspired by Birdell.
Bunny is inspired by her mother everyday too. Her nonprofit “Be the Voice” uplifts the stories of other people who have been lost by gun violence, especially for those whose cases remain unsolved.
“Their life mattered, and it's important to keep their face alive until they get the justice they deserve,” said Bunny.
Bunny’s effort to get the commemorative street name is part of that effort too. She hopes Birdell Beeks Way is both a reminder of her mother’s impact and legacy in the neighborhood, but also a reminder for other families impacted by gun violence to continue the fight for justice.
“Her name will forever be in a circle talked about the impact of [gun violence], and on families, on community, and everyone involved.”
Use the audio player above to listen to an extended conversation on Minnesota Now with Bunny Beeks.
