Kids, basketball and his West Philadelphia community all played major roles in the life of Bakeer “Bok” Green.
Born Jan. 23, 1984 in Philadelphia, Bakeer grew up in West Philly. A turning point in his life came in ninth grade, when he was sent to Glen Mills, a residential school for at-risk boys in Delaware County.
This experience lit the path that he would walk in life: Being a strong role model and mentor for the youth in his community.
“We all make mistakes in life, and he wanted to make sure these kids don’t make the same mistakes he made,” his close friend Abdur Muhammad said. “That was his passion.”
Bakeer graduated from Overbrook High School in 2004. He worked various jobs over the years while volunteering at Shepard Recreation Center at 57th and Haverford. Eventually, that turned into a job.
About five years ago he launched a Biddy Basketball League for kids in grades 1-5 called Books Then Sports. Kids would need to study or do their homework before he opened the gym for practice.
It grew to the point where he started his own Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) traveling basketball team for kids 16 and under called Play for Keeps.
Despite all of this, Bakeer’s focal point wasn’t sports, his godmother Angela Lloyd said. He used sports to influence the youth in a more meaningful way.
“Sports was a way of getting their attention and their buy-in, but it wasn’t just about the focus of sports with Bakeer — it was life skills,” Angela said. “Learning conflict resolution, learning how to budget, learning responsibility.”
He grew to become a prominent figure in West Philly. Parents in the neighborhood found comfort in knowing their kids were safe and doing something worthwhile when they were with Bakeer.
And now, the community is grieving. On Nov. 3, Bakeer was shot at 58th and Master and died a short time later at Penn Presbyterian Hospital. He is survived by his seven children, who range in age from 1 to 16 years old, his family, friends and all who knew him.
“The community is hurt,” Abdur said. “The community is hurt.”
Angela said: “I have never seen such an outpouring of people from all over. Bakeer did not just touch the West Philadelphia community. Bakeer touched the city of Philadelphia.”
Bakeer received many honors throughout his life. One of the most significant to him was the Agent of Change award from the West Philadelphia Community Solutions “for his efforts and contributions in making West Philly a great place to live.”
A video of Bakeer receiving the award, which took place at a block party in June, is on his Instagram.
“Whenever we say we need something, he always comes through,” the official from Community Solutions said. “Everybody in the hood knows who this man is. So when we put out the call, they nominated him.”
Also, the Department of Recreation honored him Nov. 23 with a posthumous achievement award, which was accepted by the Play For Keeps team on his behalf.
“Bakeer was someone who was genuinely proud of other people’s success, and he was humbled and honored by the successes that he achieved,” Angela said. “He wasn’t doing this for the accolades, he wasn’t doing this for ‘atta boys’ or pats on the back. Bakeer did what he did because that’s what was in his heart.”
A candlelight vigil was held Nov. 4 in the 1400 block of Hobart Street, where Bok is from.
Tyesha Givens first dated Bakeer in high school. They rekindled their relationship as adults, and seven years ago Tyesha had Bakeer’s first son, Bakeer Green Jr. Although they were no longer together, they remained close.
Not only did Bakeer encourage and help build confidence in the kids, he also helped Tyesha to believe in herself, too.
“He was one of the coolest, dopest people I’ve ever met,” Tyesha said. “He was very loyal, genuine and sincere. I was happy I was able to be a part of his life. He helped me be the woman I am today by letting me know there’s nothing I can’t do. He really was a great guy.”
Bakeer’s legacy as a force in the community will live on through the kids he coached. He had the older kids mentor the younger ones on and off the court to create a chain reaction of positive influence, Tyesha said.
“I’ve seen how determined he was to let the kids know that there’s other things to do besides standing at the corner,” Tyesha said. “He gave these kids hope. Kids that didn’t have dads, he was dad figure to them. He was a big brother to other guys. He was really about the kids. You don’t see a lot of guys like that.”
Bakeer’s viewing took place Nov. 6 at Khadijah Alderman Funeral Home followed by a Janazah Prayer on Nov. 7 at The Philadelphia Masjid. He is interred at the Friends of Southwest Burial Grounds in Upper Darby.
