Chesapeake Financial Shares Inc. (OTCQX:CPKF) subsidiary Chesapeake Bank’s I.D.E.A. Committee, which stands for Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability, recently collaborated with Culture Encounters to spotlight The Mantu, a locally owned Afghan restaurant.
The initiative, organized by Chesapeake Bank’s Outreach department, aimed to enhance cultural competence and promote inclusivity among employees.
Thomas Claiborne, Chesapeake Bank’s Vice President and Outreach Officer, emphasized the importance of bridging cultural divides.
“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,” Claiborne said.
In August, bank leaders visited The Mantu to learn about chef and owner Hamid Noori’s journey from Afghanistan to the US, his experiences under Taliban rule, and his mission to bring Afghan culture to Richmond. Participants also helped prepare traditional Afghan dishes, enriching the cultural experience.
Noori expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “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.”
Founded in 2015 as The Next Star Arts Program, Culture Encounters is a dynamic 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to igniting cultural curiosity, knowledge, and appreciation for all ages in Eastern Henrico County, Virginia.
Chesapeake Bank, a subsidiary of Chesapeake Financial Shares (CFS: CPKF), serves communities in the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, Williamsburg, Richmond, Chesterfield, and the Peninsula, offering banking services, credit processing, and ABL financing.