In a nation easily threatened by the chaos of change, equity and diversity have become contentious in an increasingly polarized world. Despite their definitions reflecting fairness and justice , these words have been targeted as “radical” and antithetical to a healthy society.
Statistics state otherwise. The benefits of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) in the workplace are clear. According to HR Acuity, DEI policies produce a number of proven positive benefits, which include, but are not limited to: happier employees, increased employee engagement, improved employee well-being, better employee retention, more creativity, better collaboration, fewer workplace disagreements, enhanced decision making, better customer experiences, successful business outcomes, reduced likelihood of legal issues, and confidence in knowledge that the entire team is supported.
Dr. Semaj Vanzant and Carla Vanzant understand and live the importance of DEI and have pursued an equity-centered strategy in their work, not only as the owner-operators of the consulting firm My Neighbor My Friend, but also as co-founders of the nonprofit organization Inspire Life.
Leading with the deep-seated belief that “inspiration should flow freely—across every race, gender, religion, and community,” equity and diversity are the core tenets of Inspire Life. Offering low-to-no cost educational and creative programming to low-income communities and more, Inspire Life seeks to level the playing field. The Vanzants understand that talent is everywhere — but access is not. Upon moving to New Jersey ten years ago, they made it their mission to change that.
As an Erie, Pennsylvania native who had been living in Oklahoma, Carla was glad to return to the East Coast with her family. They were excited to learn that their new home, Asbury Park, had a great arts and music scene. Yet upon arriving, they realized that Black and Brown artists were not being represented nearly enough.
Carla explains, “It was very few and far between. That diversity piece was missing. Additionally, everything was (is) really expensive when it comes to kids’ programming. And so, for us, when we were in Oklahoma, it was no problem to send our kids to camp for, say, a couple of hundred dollars, and it was no big deal, but here, you’re paying outrageous prices. We decided very quickly once we got here that we wanted to do something for kids.”
That desire became the first summer camp for children, serving 41 students - more than double the number they had expected! Ten years later, Inspire Life now offers programming such as The Creators Lab, Freedom School, The Inspire Life STEAM Camp, Sister Circle, Werk It, Kidzpirations, and The Parent and Caregiver Academy, along with cultural experiences like trips to see Broadway shows, retreats, and fellowships.
As we know, while talent is abundant, the same cannot be said for access. These programs are designed to build safe spaces, turn creativity into power, create economic opportunity, and advocate for equality among those who may have no other outlet.
For instance, in the Creator’s Lab, students gain hands-on experience with songwriting and music production, recording and mixing in professional studios, video editing and filmmaking, live performances, creative writing, and storytelling through film. They aren’t simply listening to a professor to fill a notebook with words they will forget; they are actively creating and emblazoning a memory into their body. Led by the three-time Grammy-nominated producer, Akene Dunkley, the Lab gives students ages 10 and up the chance to create real art for public consumption.
The STEAM camp offers a seven-week immersive opportunity to dive headfirst into creative ventures such as song composition, vocal techniques and music production, musical theory, STEAM projects, dance, digital media, coding, real world science, and more. That is simply the in-classroom element. Exposure trips to venues like the Liberty Science Center, The Franklin Institute, professional music studios, and Broadway shows highlight the work in a real-life context.
Freedom School is a national program focused on literacy. As Carla says, “It has helped kids all across the United States learn how to read and fall in love with reading. In addition to that, [the chosen literature] is culturally relevant, so all of the books and literature that's presented represent the vastness of humanity. It really centers Blackness, and many of the kids that we serve are Black children, so it allows them to see themselves represented.”
The diversity does not lie solely in the student body but also in the available coursework. Programming is open to students across New Jersey from all walks of life; however, the marketing and low-to-no cost tuition are catered toward those in Monmouth County. Carla assures interested campers that “in our programs, you’ll find diversity, true diversity. It's not just all Black kids or all white kids. It's a coming together of people from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and income levels. That diversity brings a richness to the experience.”
Inspire Life’s ten-year anniversary is fast approaching, and they will be celebrating with the Decades Dance Benefit. All are welcome to join in the celebration of ten years of empowering youth and families on the Central Jersey Shore with an unforgettable evening of music, movement, and memories across the decades. The event upholds Inspire Life’s mission to uplift, educate, and empower youth and families through impactful programs and community engagement. Come dressed in a style inspired by your birth decade. More details will appear on their website soon, but until then, save February 28th from 6pm-9pm on your calendar!
