About Us

AARI is all about creating a sense of belonging and togetherness through our core pillars of food, culture, art, and health.

Seedling sprouts emerging from soil in a seed tray
Our Story
Two women walking on a sidewalk on a sunny day, one reading a flyer and the other smiling, with trees and houses in the background.

Our Mission

We're driven by a vision of a vibrant, self-sustaining African community in Rhode Island, especially here in Providence’s Southside.

Our journey began in 2004, sparked by a simple yet powerful desire: to bridge the gaps in culturally relevant health and food access for African immigrants and refugees.

Over the years, AARI has successfully launched community gardens, health and wellness programs, a 6-acre farm in Johnston, and cultural events that celebrate and preserve African traditions.

We invite you to be a part of our journey. Whether you're a member of the African diaspora, a supporter of cultural diversity, or someone interested in regenerative agriculture, there's a place for you in the AARI village.

Our Areas of Focus

Each program is a step towards our vision of a self-sustaining African community that thrives by staying connected to its roots while forging new paths forward.

Community Farming

Through Bami Farm, we offer both a nurturing space for growing culturally significant crops and a training ground for aspiring farmers. It's about more than just food; it's about cultural heritage, sustainability, and self-reliance.

Farming scene with green plants on the left, a green grassy path in the middle, and a greenhouse on the right, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Markets

We bring the farm to the city, offering fresh, affordable produce to neighborhoods where healthy food is hard to find. The markets are more than places to shop; they're vibrant community gatherings that celebrate culture and connection.

People shopping at an outdoor farmers market, selecting fresh vegetables from a vendor's table, with a group of onlookers behind them.

Cooking Demonstrations

Our cooking demos are not just about sharing recipes; they're about passing down traditions, exploring new cultures, and building community through the universal language of food.

A green glass plate with a textured, honeycomb pattern, holding a dish of chopped leafy greens with red tomatoes and chopped nuts.

Health and Education

From hosting health summits to engaging in educational outreach, we advocate for the well-being of our community members, equipping them with knowledge and resources to lead healthier lives.

Two men standing in a garden, holding a container filled with leafy green vegetables.

Our Community

AARI Annual Report Card

Our annual "Report Card" showcases the tangible difference we make each year in the lives of our community members, alongside the impact of our work, program outcomes, and our vision for the future.

Cover of the African Alliance of Rhode Island 2023 annual report card with purple and pink flowers on a climbing plant in the foreground, green trees in the background, and a logo in the top left corner.
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A group of 14 diverse people outdoors on a sunny day, standing and sitting on grass and a paved path, with trees and blue sky in the background, smiling for the photo.

Join the Village

Watercolor illustration of a garlic bulb, a garlic head with pinkish hue, and two garlic cloves.

Become part of the AARI Village. Sign up to receive the latest news, updates, and ways to connect.

All are welcome.