The African American Community Response Team (AACRT), in partnership with the Summit Academy OIC Best Buy Teen Tech Center, launched a COVID-19 Rap Challenge for teens ages 13-18 last month to talk about how the pandemic has affected them, their families or the community.

The first-place winner was Tahjer Rainer Dunn, who received a $500 gift card for his video.

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is designed for middle and high school students ages 13-18 in North Minneapolis to explore cutting-edge technology in a hands-on, interactive space.

The Center will host another rap contest, a “salute to seniors,” giving credit to high schoolers who will be graduating with a lot less pomp and circumstance than usual this year.

The African American Community Response Team is a collective of African American organizations and leaders in the Twin Cities who have joined together to identify immediate, mid- and long-term strategies to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.