Grade For Grabs| Why This Staten Island Deli Rewards Kids for High Grades

Grade For Grabs| Why This Staten Island Deli Rewards Kids for High Grades

Author: theoasishaqqislam September 10, 2026 Duration: 1:07:00
What happens when a neighborhood deli becomes a beacon of hope for local students? In this inspiring episode of The Oasis, we sit down with the visionary brothers behind Zach’s Famous Deli and the viral Grades for Grabs initiative. The brothers share their incredible journey from Yemen to New York City, detailing the sacrifices their father made and the challenges of growing up in Brooklyn. Wali opens up about his difficult transition from a failing business in the Bronx, where he survived a traumatic shootout, to finding a new purpose on Staten Island. Discover how their commitment to education and their Islamic faith led to the creation of the Island Ock persona and a program that rewards students for their academic success. From rewarding 100-dollar bills for improved grades to building a global community on TikTok, this conversation explores how these brothers are fighting the stigma of the corner store and building a roadmap for the youth. We also get a sneak peek into Wali's upcoming book, Climbing Mountains, which chronicles his life lessons from the peaks of Yemen to the streets of New York. Chapters 3:45 The Journey from Yemen to Brooklyn 7:50 Cultural Immersion and Learning English 11:30 High School Years and Sports Dreams 15:10 Struggles with Education and College 19:25 Why Yemenis Open Delis 23:40 Starting a Business in the Bronx 28:15 Surviving the Deli Shooting Incident 32:45 Facing Business Failure and Defeat 36:50 Moving to Staten Island and Starting Over 41:10 Creating the Island Ak Persona 45:30 The Origin of Grades for Grabs 49:50 Going Viral and Community Impact 54:15 How Faith Fuels Their Mission 58:30 Future Vision for the Program 1:03:10 Climbing Mountains Book Announcement 1:06:30 Final Message and How to Support If you enjoyed this story of resilience and community, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more inspiring interviews. Please RATE & REVIEW 

Each week on The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam, host and music industry veteran A. Haqq Islam creates a space for dialogue that feels both necessary and rare. These are conversations that move beyond surface-level headlines, delving into the tangible influence of Islamic faith and Muslim individuals within the most dynamic sectors of modern life. You’ll hear discussions exploring how faith intersects with creative and professional worlds, from the rhythms of Hip Hop and the narratives of film to the strategies of business, the innovation in technology, and the expressions of fashion and sports. This podcast consistently highlights the stories of Muslims who are actively shaping culture, yet whose contributions are often overlooked within mainstream narratives. The tone is intimate and refreshing, offering a perspective that consciously challenges narrow, stereotypical views, whether domestic or international. By focusing on real impact and personal journeys, the series builds a more nuanced understanding. It’s not about preaching, but about presenting a vibrant, multifaceted portrait of engagement and identity. Tuning into this podcast means accessing a forum where spirituality, ambition, and cultural commentary meet, all guided by a host with deep roots in the industry he discusses. The result is a compelling blend of personal insight and broader cultural analysis, making each episode a point of connection and discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Oasis with A.Haqq Islam
Podcast Episodes
The Truth About Black Muslim Representation in America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:05
In this next episode of "The Oasis" featuring Sahr Ali, the passionate leader of Black Muslims Now, a grassroots collective dedicated to uniting and amplifying the voices of Black Muslims in New York and beyond. Host Haq…
The Coffee Shop Taking on Starbucks: The Brooklyn Perk Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:14
This episode of The Oasis features a candid conversation with Jamal Al Amin, the CEO of Brooklyn Perk Coffee, who shares his inspiring journey from embracing personal flaws to building a business rooted in peace, love, a…
Bayadir Speaks: Art, Identity & Activism Through Poetry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:10
Step into the world of resilience, art, and activism in this captivating episode featuring poet, activist, and author Bayadir Mohamed- Osman. Known for her powerful storytelling and deep connection to Sudan’s struggles,…
Independent Hustle: How Oddisee Built His Music Empire [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:11
Born into two worlds, Oddisee third culture journey is a story of resilience, creativity, and identity. This episode features a conversation with the extraordinary lyricist, producer, and artist Oddisee, as he discusses…
Faith, Love & Family: Building Darbars' Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:11
This episode of "The Oasis" features a conversation with longtime family friends Shabhaz Ganny and Omar Ganny the dynamic father-son duo behind Darbars, a thriving halal restaurant chain built on faith, love, and family…