An Invitation to Corporate Sponsors:

On behalf of The African Society (AFSO) I would like to invite your corporation to become a supporting member of our 3rd Annual Conference, "Prospects for an African Renaissance: Culture, Development, Reconciliation," to be held in Edmonton Between February 25-26, 2000.

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka will be our keynote speaker. Dr.
Soyinka is Africa's first Nobel Laureate in Literature. He will deliver a public lecture on Friday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. He will also participation in the conference proceedings on Saturday and a cultural extravaganza at the Timms Centre on Saturday evening.

As a society, our main objective is to promote a local dialogue on global issues as they pertain to Africa's 53 countries. Thus, we sponsor monthly talks to promote public awareness of, and involvement with, Africa's political, economic, and political issues. We also promote African studies in Alberta schools and universities and provide mentorship to students and resources for the larger community.

Consistent with our main aims, we have invited internationally renown Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka to be our keynote speaker at our first conference of the millennium. The conference will be held between the 25-26th February, 2000, on the University of Alberta campus. The theme of the conference is "Prospects for an African Renaissance," borrowing on the positive vision of South Africa's new President Thabo Mbeki.

Through the conference, and the public lecture in particular, we plan to bring many scholars, practitioners and friends of Africa to Edmonton in order to share their interests, expertise, and experiences. We would like your support in order to make Dr. Soyinka's visit to Edmonton a memorable one because of its resounding success.

There are various options for corporate support:

Platinum: $ 5,000+
Gold: $ 3,000 - $ 4,999
Silver: $ 2,000 - $ 3,999
Bronze: Under $2,000

Tax deductible cheques for corporate sponsorship should be made out to:

The University of Alberta Development Fund
Re: The Africa Society Conference

Please send cheques to: Dr. Robb Merritt, Faculty of Arts,
Humanities Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2H4

Thanks in advanced for your time and cooperation. If you
require any additional information, please do not hesitate to
contact me.

Dr. Malinda S. Smith
Co-ordinator, The Africa Society
(Edmonton): (780)-438-5708
(Canada & US toll free): 1-888-282-4005
E-mail: malindas@athabascau.ca