KNZ Solutions, together with Mr. Fixit Tech (MFT), is partnering with the Irreducible Grace Foundation (IGF) to bring modern, secure, and scalable network access to IGF’s new Black Youth Healing Arts Center located in Saint Paul, MN. KNZ will be donating network hardware and MFT will be overseeing the installation and implementation.
The Black Youth Healing Arts Center (BYHAC) is a safe space for youths of color to receive healing for their un-or-under processed trauma. Through a holistic, integrative approach, the center provides cultural, ancestral, and innovative processes to healing. The goal of the BYHAC is to become a multi-purpose center with cooperative values, residential leaders and services, activities, and training opportunities for youths of color. The center features an incubator/commercial kitchen, recording studio, weaving studio, and performance space. Youths can participate in activities like sewing, cultural harvest gardening classes, yoga, gym games, self-care Sundays, and Bomba (the practice of traditional Afro Boricua music).
The Irreducible Grace Foundation was founded in 2012 by a group of educators led by Dr. Darlene Fry. After seeing the large racial disparity of on-time graduation rates between African American, American Indian, and Hispanic students to their counterparts, they were inspired to create safe spaces for these youths to learn techniques for stress management, processing trauma, and expressing themselves through the visual arts.
IGF’s programs and initiatives are “youth influenced.” Foundation participants are heavily involved in program direction, content, envisioning sessions, and staff interviews. Participants have stated, “We want to be the help we never got,” and embrace the opportunity to volunteer at the center and help members learn and support each other. Some members have also become program assistants and facilitators, and are able to bring their gifts, skills, and talents to the organization.
In the future, IGF plans to add additional healing therapy opportunities to the BYHAC. They hope to add a therapy dog training center, reading dog program, STEAM-focused program, and a garden centered around holistic wellness—particularly focused on diseases and ailments that affect Black communities.
About KNZ Solutions:
KNZ Solutions is an established, 8(a) certified, black-owned IT value-added reseller (VAR) and consulting firm, delivering innovative product solutions and expert professional services with proven experience with Federal Government, SLED, and enterprise commercial clients. We specialize in Datacenter Architecture, Software Defined Networking (SDN), Cybersecurity, and Cloud.
Our consultants are leading business and technical advisors, each possessing unique knowledge and expertise built on real-world, hands-on experience from both the client and consultant perspectives. We take a holistic approach to the design and implementation of enterprise networks. We meet with your team to gain an understanding of your current issues and state of business, identify opportunities for improvement and evaluate the potential impacts these improvements could have on the overall IT environment, and design a solution that addresses your current challenges while also laying the foundation for achieving your business and IT goals 3-5 years down the line.
About Mr. FixitTech:
Mr. FixitTech (MFT) is a black and veteran-owned business that offers refurbished computers and assists with the setup of Wi-fi networks in homes, small offices, and buildings. Our goal is to help you use technology to improve and simplify your life. We believe in supporting youth and young adults through mentorship and the funding of various events and initiatives.
