The twelve months between March 2009 and today have been some of the most active in VFOM's history and include the following benchmarks: May 2009: VFoM received IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit status October 13, 2009: Segou's Mayor Ousmane K. Simaga and Richmond's Mayor Dwight C. Jones sign the agreement for Richmond and Segou to become sister cities. February 5, 2010: A reception is held in Segou MALI during the 6th annual Festival Sur Le Niger during which a second signing ceremony was held to affirm the new sister city relationship. February 7, 2010: Richmond is also honored as Guest City of the festival and during the closing ceremonies, Virginia Friends of Mali receive the festival's special Faro (Spirit of the Niger River) Award.
VIRGINIA FRIENDS OF MALI creates and promotes educational and cultural pathways to understanding and cooperation between the peoples of the West African nation of Mali and the state of Virginia, USA. LES AMIS DU MALI EN VIRGINIE crée et promeut des voies éducatives et culturelles favorisant la compréhension et la coopération entre les peuples du Mali, pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest, et de l'État de Virginie, USA.