01/03/2026
Me: “Dr. Beckford, you gotta come to Detroit and get these kids! I’m telling you, Detroit band kids are special!
Dr.Beckford: “Say Less!”.
Cut to He and Dr.(Mrs.) Beckford who was ALWAYS by his side, brave the cold and come to the D!
I have ALWAYS said that Dr.Richard Beckford was this generations Bobby L. Brown. Because of the way he loved his kids and went beyond the standard of being a band director to become a father figure to many.
Because Dr.Beckford saw the value in making a pipeline from Detroit to Florida Memorial University, today the first young lady to make the FMU The ROAR Marching Band LionEssence danceline came from this very school, my niece Devin who was the dance captain in her band, and the daughter of my high school bestie Robin Peoples .
This band, Southfield A&T Marching Band is led by my Mackenzie High Band of Renown brother and Southern University Human Jukebox Alumni, LaShawn Gary. The former Director Dr. Charles, was the band student of my middle school band director, Mr.Nicholson.
A Full circle moment.
Dr.Beckford was ALWAYS thinking out the box and about providing opportunities. My job was to keep
the camera on and tell the story.
This part of the story is in Bobby's Kids Movie. Didn’t realize it at the time, but we were making history. I am so grateful for this moment
and the entire journey. God is intentional.
May you rest in peace Dr.Beckford.🕊️
*This picture was taken in 2021, our first Detroit recruitment tour.
Richard Beckford Foundation