Dear Sponsors and Supporters of the 37th Anniversary of the Harambee Festival:

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the iconic Benedict College Harambee Festival will be held in the Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. The College proudly continues the legacy of the Festival which has been a thirty-seven-year signature event in Columbia, South Carolina, and wider communities. It has sustained its existence through interpretation of history, presentations through the arts, culture, and humanities, with outstanding stage performances, a Children’s Education and Resources Village, a Women’s and Men’s Village, free health screenings, continuous stage performances by national and local artists, unique merchandise vendors, outstanding displays and exhibits, and the best food found anywhere.

The Festival provides learning experiences for children and college students, public service information to improve the lives of attendees, and opportunities for organizations to merchandise their products before thousands of consumers. It also allows Benedict College to continue its commitment to improve the economic, social, and cultural conditions in our community, including the positive impact that the Festival has on the local economy.

To sustain and expand this worthwhile cause, I am appealing to you for financial support. Specifically, there is a need to significantly increase medical screenings, improve the learning and social skills of all students by incorporating more outstanding exhibits, displays, and more positive presenters, role models, and performers who have influence on the lives of thousands of attendees. Please take advantage of this opportunity for your organization not only to support a positive, value-added Festival to our community but also provides your organization opportunities to showcase and introduce your products and services to a diverse market.

I respectfully request that your organization take advantage of the opportunity to sponsor the Harambee Festival. The Festival provides organizations visibility and unlimited access to thousands of festival participants and customers, a complimentary marketing vendor’s space, and a complimentary electronic ad that will be shown constantly at the Festival and will remain on the Festival’s website for one year. Other benefits are available commensurate with your sponsorship level. Importantly, your contribution will also help to support many deserving students through the Harambee Festival Endowed Scholarship.

Thank you for your support of a sponsorship level. Please submit to the:

Benedict College Harambee Festival
1600 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204

Please feel free to call me at 803.705.4417 or reach me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your support.

Sincerely,

George A. Devlin
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and
Chair, Harambee Festival Committee