Everyone at AfriThrive is thrilled that July was a special month for the entire fraternity following honors by Senator Chris van Hollen, presented to AfriThrive Founder and CEO, Dr. Truphena Choti. The Senator’s recognition was the second one in a span of six weeks, following a proclamation by the legislative arm made on May 25th recognizing efforts by AfriThrive as one of the different minority group organizations in boosting local food production.

The duo of awards serves as a significant lead-up to the fourth anniversary of AfriThrive’s founding as a non-profit, focusing on African immigrants in the Greater Washington DC region.

During the Kenyan community’s July 4th Independence Day festivities in Baltimore County, Senator Chris van Hollen recognized Dr. Choti for her exemplary contributions to the African Diaspora community.

Dr. Choti commented, “We are immensely proud and honored to be the recipients of not just one, but TWO esteemed awards from US Senator Chris Van Hollen!”

“These awards recognize our unwavering commitment to building vibrant and thriving African Diaspora communities.

“It is with immense gratitude that we accept these awards, and we share this achievement with each and every one of you, our incredible supporters and partners. Your dedication and belief in our mission have been the driving force behind our success.

Dr. Choti emphasized the profound impact of supporters, saying, “These awards remind us that our efforts are making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Together at AfriThrive, we are creating positive change, fostering growth, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

“None of this would have been possible without your unwavering support. So, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for being the driving force behind our journey towards a better, more inclusive world.”

In May, the Montgomery County Council, led by Vice President Andrew Friedson and Representative Natali Fani-González, delivered the proclamation during a visit to the AfriThrive Cultural Farm in Poolesville.

“We are extremely humbled and honored to host Councilmember Andrew (Friedson) and Council member Gonzalez at our farm today,” said Dr. Choti at the time during the short ceremony to present the proclamation.

“We are grateful to Montgomery County Council and all our partners and donors who have been so supportive of our programs thus far.

“We appreciate all the farmers that have joined us here today, and we truly value all of you for being partners in the quest to have healthy food for our communities through urban gardening and other initiatives.”

Also present during the award presentation ceremony held on the sidelines of the July 4th Kenyan Community celebrations event in Baltimore were convener Francis Kimani, Delegate Carl Jackson, and UNESCO Center for Peace Executive Director Guy Djoken.

AfriThrive was incorporated in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) minority-led non-profit organization dedicated to creating economic opportunities for underserved African immigrant communities through sustainable and culturally appropriate local food systems that empower families to control how they grow, distribute, access, and eat culturally appropriate healthy foods.