VFOM Update: May 11, 2013

Pat Cummins, Robin Poulton, Dr. Fanta Diabate visiting Byrd House Market
on opening day of the 2013 season. Fanta then flew off, back to Bamako.

Fanta’s visit to Richmond

Dr Fanta Sambou DIABATE, Mali's most famous gynecologist and obstetrician spent a week in Richmond working with the VCU Health System and the VCU School of World Studies. On Friday May 3rd a group of members joined Fanta for lunch at MAMUSU's Africaine on Main, a popular West African restaurant on West Main at 2nd St, behind the Richmond Public Library. That day the akra were particularly delicious (these are fried black-eye pea or bean flour balls, and they are the delicious the West African ancestor of our 'hush puppies').

Fanta is working with the VCU AIDS clinic to set up a medical research project in Richmond's Sister City - Ségou on the Niger River - to help AIDS sufferers in Africa. The SWS brings knowledge of French and Mali and Anthropology to the medical team, which has won a Gates Foundation grant. Winning this grant - very very competititve - was highlighted in VCU Health System as one of the ten most important events of 2012. VFoM is proud to be a part of this team with the School of World Studies and Richmond Sister City Commission.

Mali’s election dates:

It has been announced that the Malian Presidential election will take place on July 7th and 21st. The Malians use a transferable vote system, with the two top candidates running off two weeks after the first round. Inauguration of the new President will be on July 31st.

Refreshing the voice of a talking drum...

Allan restrings.

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"Peace Baba is the most famous bead person in Mali"

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VFOM member visits AUPAP sites

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The February Chiwara Is Out!

February in America is Black History Month, and this will be a theme of this month’s Newsletter . Black History Month is a great time for teachers to introduce Sunjata the Lion King to their 3rd grade students who will learn about the medieval Empire of Mali (a standard of learning requirement for elementary students in Virginia). Past Issues!

Virginia Friends of Mali

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