Saying goodbye to "Bahal's," a Black-owned corner store

I'm not sure we fully appreciate all that corner stores mean to those of us who live or have lived in the hood. Even as teachers, if we're paying attention, we may notice their importance to our students as empirically evidenced by those little black bags. Every morning.

They're convenient. They're open. They offer variety. They're family. They're there, sometimes serving as the substitute for larger supermarkets. Some open super early (49th & Woodland), stay open later than others (Hook Road in Darby Township) and even 24-hours (Island Rd. & Woodland Ave). I've frequented and have lived in areas of Philly where there are none within reasonable walking distance--like--on the corner.😕 In other areas of the city you can quite literally find several corner stores within a block or two in one direction or another. Some are even directly across the street from another one.

There is one corner store that I've frequented for 24 years, Bahal's Food Market at 6th and Walnut in Darby, PA. I've tweeted about them in the past.

I've mentioned it before, but there's a Black-owned corner store in Darby, Delco. 6th & Walnut, 19023. "Bahal's" but everybody calls him "Baha". Been getting the Turkey/cheese on keiser for 25(?) years, easy.

— Stephen R. Flemming, Ed.D. (@kellygrade6) June 19, 2020

For 20 years, our church was at 5th & Walnut just down the street. That's how we all became acquainted. We all went to "Baha's."  During a visit this past week, Bah or Baha, as many of us affectionately called him, told me and another brother in the store that the store was being sold, that they were turning over the keys at 10am on Thursday.

Gut. Punch.

I posted about their departure on my personal family & friends socials where most of us know Bah. Our reactions tell you everything you need to know about what he, his wife, their family and corner store meant to us.

Today, I slid through one last time. It is unlikely that I'll make the short drive across the county line to support the new owners. I supported Bah, his wife and family because they're Black. This was a Black-owned corner store in Darby just outside of Southwest Philly.

I got my turkey on kaiser then left them my phone number. I told Mrs. Bah that I posted about their leaving on social media and that my fam and friends were not at all happy. She replied, "We're not at all happy either." Wow, plot twist. I had more questions. So they're not retiring--willingly? What happened? Is this a harbinger of things to come for Darby? I was surrounded by the students of Walnut Street Elementary School, as it was the after school rush, so I couldn't ask my questions. I have to wonder, how many of those students know that when they come for their after-school snacks on Thursday, Bah and his wife won't be there? 

Building Comm101: co-constructing our syllabus

For the past few years I've been on this kick of co-creating the course syllabus with my classes. With some general parameters, I solicit their ideas for texts, projects, relevant videos, and more.

Tuesday, 8/31 was the first day of school here in Philly. I made a general presentation* that included what they might expect based on the experience I had with my dual enrollment communications class (Comm101) last year. On Thursday, I asked the students to complete what I called a "Building Comm101" form using Google Forms. You'll read 2 of the 5 questions (in bold) I included in the survey. You will also read the responses of the students who chose to answer these two questions.

2. What ideas do you have for how this class should go?

smoothly
 
i like how the class is now
 
This class is on a college program, which means that us students will be treated like college students which gives us responsibilities and it's also an opportunity to get college grades for when we apply for or start college.
 
not alot of work to do
 
Not to much work.
 
I don't really have any idea because it's my first time having a class like this but if I must say I'd say for this class to have a good vibe no bad vibe because that throws me off and I will most likely to drop out which I don't want cause I like this class because of technology.
 
none comment
 
After seeing your presentation on Tuesday i would like if we have debate classes
easy and smooth, not a lot of work
 
i don't have specific ideas
 
I think this class will be very interactive and we’ll be doing a lot of debating
 
nothing really this class chilling
 
I don't know
 
I don’t have any for right now cause this is my first time being in this class

it should be short and fun

No homework

all about jobs

 

5. What, if anything, do you want me to know about you as a person/student?

nothing
 
Not sure what to say here yet but I'll let you know when there's something.
 
im shy
 
You know me😂🙃
 
I'm a very chill person but when I'm upset don't bother me I'm more likely to lash

out and I don't want that because I am trying to keep myself calm these days.

 
im nice somewhat
 
i like being involved, i like to be challenged a little

you already know me.
 
i tend to prefer working alone and staying to myself .
 
I know I am very intelligent, just some things need to be broken down a little bit more
 
I'm a chill person
 
I'm quiet
 
Nothing😭
 
i don't like to get pick on to answer a question unless i want to answer the question
 
I have anxiety and I prefer and work better alone
 
I dont like to speak.
 
nope
 
I'm mostly quiet and i only talk to people i really know

*Vulnerability Moment: With this presentation and other activities, I thought I planned enough for the 90-minute block. I hadn't. I made up for it on Thursday. There's also the challenge of taking what was a 100% remote teaching/learning course and redesigning it for an in-person experience. All will be well.

Additionally, you should know this is the only class that I teach. I asked for it. The rest of my day and week include the responsibilities of a School-Based Teacher Leader (SBTL) for English😁and Testing Coordinator😐I need to teach a class to re-center me.