County Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr. and the Milwaukee County Parks have announced a ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate James W. Beckum Park, 900 W. Brown St., on Saturday, May 4 at 11:45 a.m. The park is named in honor of the man who has worked tirelessly to serve the youth of the community through sports.
The former Negro League player, James W. Beckum, founded the Beckum-Stapleton Little League in 1964. The team settled in the original Carver Park. The portion of Carver Park north of Brown Street will now be known as James W. Beckum Park.
“The community has benefited immeasurably from the dedication of this man,” said Johnson. “Mr. Beckum has helped to develop our youth in areas beyond baseball.”
To honor Beckum, the Little-League team will have a parade to the dedication site. The parade will step off from Rose Park at 10 a.m. and will arrive for the dedication ceremony. Beckum will throw the ceremonial first pitch to open the season for his Little League.