Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters of KanKouran:

“Exhilarating, Inspirational, Exciting, Family and Community‐focused” – these are just a few words that
have been used to describe KanKouran West African Dance Company.

We are gearing up for our 27th annual conference and concert from September 3rd – 5th, 2010 to
showcase African dance and culture in the Washington, DC area. The theme of this year’s concert is
“Circle of Praise: Blessings!,” which will commemorate the legacy of the late Dr. Sherrill Berryman‐
Johnson who founded the dance department at Howard University, and the collaborative efforts
between Dr. Berryman‐Johnson and KanKouran over the years.

As family, friend and supporter of KanKouran, I know that you are aware of the Company’s contributions
to the community over the past 27 years. However, some of our most recent notable activities include
the following:

• Performances and workshops in Trinidad and Tobago as part of their Annual Emancipation Day
• Performances and workshops in Istanbul, Turkey as part of an International World Expo tour
• Presentation of our 4th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert series
• Participation in the Wofabe African Dance and Drum Festival in New Jersey.

This year we are forced to take a different approach to fundraising. KanKouran has traditionally
received financial support from state and federal funders to support our annual conference and concert.
However, 2010 marks the second year in which this funding has not been awarded. This support is
crucial because it covers the upfront costs associated with the conference and concert including airline
tickets for guest artists, costumes, printing costs for brochures, posters, and concert programs, and
down payments for the conference site and the concert venue. In the absence of this funding, I am
looking to KanKouran’s family and friends to help support the Company in closing the funding gap.

This is a difficult time for artists and arts organizations everywhere, and KanKouran has not escaped the
impact of the current economic crisis. So we need your help to raise $10,000! With your generous
contribution, this year’s conference and concert will further the legacy of the Company, the community,
and especially the remarkable contributions of Dr. Berryman‐Johnson. Please make your tax‐deductible
donations in cash or by check to KanKouran West African Dance Company without delay. Donations will
be accepted at community classes and rehearsals. You can also mail your donation to:

KanKouran West African Dance Company
P.O. Box 1338
Washington, DC, 20013

Very truly yours,

Assane Konte