Chesapeake Bank’s I.D.E.A. Committee partners with Culture Encounters to support local authentic Afghan cuisine small business in Richmond

Chesapeake Bank’s I.D.E.A. Committee – which stands for Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accountability – recently partnered with Culture Encounters to bring a spotlight on locally owned and operated authentic Afghan cuisine restaurant, The Mantu. Chesapeake Bank’s Outreach department coordinated this initiative to create a cultural experience for employees by bringing an awareness to cultural competence and the importance of connecting individuals with a variety of experiences.

"The I.D.E.A. committee strives to find ways to bridge cultural differences in an effort to reduce biases and increase awareness of how much we have in common regardless of our origins and background,” said Thomas Claiborne, Vice President Outreach Officer of Chesapeake Bank. “Our visit to The Mantu was an adventure that reminded us that people have experiences and stories that we cannot know by just looking at them, that food brings people together, and that when you learn about someone your preconceived notions fade away. We all walked away with a new perspective that will help us build bridges where biases may have been before."

In August, various leaders of the bank gathered at The Mantu – located at 10 S Thompson Street – to learn more about chef and owner Hamid Noori’s mission for bringing his cultural experiences to the city of Richmond. The hands-on experience included his story and how he immigrated to the U.S., his experiences in Afghanistan under Taliban control, and an explanation of dishes along with the opportunity for team members to help prepare various Afghan entrees.

“I am so thankful to have the opportunity to present The Mantu mission and my country’s culture with groups such as Chesapeake Bank," said Chef Noori. "My goal is that this will continue to gain momentum in the Richmond community not just for The Mantu, but for other cultures and small business owners from diverse backgrounds.”

Culture Encounters founder and director, Amma Gatty, reinforced the organization’s mission of “bridge building” that connects individuals with a variety of cultural experiences to create a harmonious world by giving a platform to share and learn from each other.

“To have a community bank like Chesapeake Bank reach out and want to immerse their employees in an experience like this speaks volumes to their company core values," said Gatty. "It was a pleasure engaging with their various leaders and watch them embrace a unique experience.”

To learn more about Culture Encounters, visit www.cultureencounters.org. To learn more about The Mantu, visit www.themantuva.com.

ABOUT CHESAPEAKE BANK

Chesapeake Bank, founded in 1900, is a subsidiary of Chesapeake Financials Shares (CFS: CPKF), headquartered in the Northern Neck, also serving the Middle Peninsula, Williamsburg, Richmond, Chesterfield, and Peninsula communities. The company also offers credit processing and ABL financing. Named by American Banker as one of the Top 100 Community Banks and a Best Bank to Work For, employing 300+. Visit: www.ches.bank

ABOUT CULTURE ENCOUNTERS

Founded in 2015 as The Next Star Arts Program, a humble arts organization nestled in Eastern Henrico County, Virginia with a vision to empower children through the arts. Today, Culture Encounters is a dynamic 501(C )(3) organization for all ages known as Culture Encounters. The core mission is unwavering: exist to ignite cultural curiosity, knowledge, and appreciation within the region. Through the transformative power of the arts, shared experiences, and open dialogue, they aim to kindle the flames of understanding. It’s not just a mission; it’s a movement towards creating a more harmonious world. The story is rooted in the vision of the founder, Amma Gatty, a Ghanaian immigrant. Amma’s dream was to forge a community where every individual felt welcomed and included. Today, they honor that dream by embracing diversity and celebrating the unique tapestry of cultures that enrich our lives. Email connect@cultureencounters.org or call 804-663-8383.

ABOUT THE MANTU

Opened in Richmond in 2019. Modern Afghan cuisine from Chef Hamid Noori. 100% Halal. Book The Mantu for your next private event. Dine-in and take-out available. 804-716-6760 or visit www.themantuva.com. Watch “The Dream of The Mantu” here. Three locations in the greater Richmond area: The Mantu, 10 S Thompson Street, Richmond, VA 23221; The Mantu Market, 7510 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23294; and The Mantu Express, 11636 W Broad Street, Henrico, VA 23233