Jelani Consulting, LLC

11/10/2025

✨ These Days, Being Engaged Means... Being Vulnerable—But Not With Everybody.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is not go all in. In this clip from Riffing While Black, Dr. Kazique Prince reflects on how showing up requires discernment. Vulnerability isn’t just about being open—it’s about being wise. Whether it’s in the workplace, on a date, or with friends, you get to choose how deep you go and with whom.

Because “keeping it real” shouldn’t come at the cost of your peace.

🪘 Inspired by a grounding card from the Djembe card deck:
“These days, being engaged means ________.”

🎧 Catch the full episode wherever you tune in: Spotify, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

10/22/2025

🕊️ Building in the Middle of the Divide

Earlier this week, I met with a group whose courage reminded me what peacebuilding really looks like.

They’re part of Builders of the Middle East, a team of Israelis, Palestinians, and others from across the Middle East using storytelling to do what politics has failed to do — remind people of their shared humanity.

Their work isn’t about taking sides. It’s about making space for truth, grief, hope, and conversation.

They’re pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian because they’re pro-human. They acknowledge the horror of October 7th and the devastation in Gaza. They tell stories that hold both truths and that’s what makes them revolutionary.

What struck me most wasn’t their strategy; it was their audacity to keep showing up for dialogue when the world rewards division.

Their work mirrors what we strive to do with Djembe— using guided storytelling and listening to rebuild connection where fear and bias have done their worst.

Because peace doesn’t start with agreement. It starts with the courage to stay in the conversation.

💭 Read more in my latest reflection: “Building in the Middle of the Divide" on Substack and LinkedIn

10/21/2024

oin Amplify Credit Union for an insightful morning discussion with leaders from the Greater Austin Black, Hispanic, LGBT, and US India Chambers of Commerce. Each leader will describe the trends they are seeing among the diverse base of customers and employees they interact with every day.

Moderated by Angela Shaw, senior vice president of talent for Amplify Credit Union, this event is specifically designed for business owners and executives in Central Texas. The discussion will provide participants with valuable strategies for navigating current challenges and preparing for future business opportunities. RSVP below:

Join Amplify Credit Union for a morning discussion on the trends shaping Austin’s diverse customers and employees.

09/24/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Mark your calendars for October 15 because the Greater Austin Black Chamber (GABC) Business Awards Luncheon is coming, and it's going to be a celebration like no other! 🎉✨

Join us as we honor the trailblazers, innovators, and game-changers in our community who are making waves in business and beyond. 🌊🏆 Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just love supporting local excellence, this event is for YOU! 🙌

Here’s why you don’t want to miss it:
- Inspiring Success Stories 📈
- Amazing Networking Opportunities 🤝
- Incredible Food (Because who doesn’t love a great lunch?) 🍽️
- Recognition of Austin’s Brightest Business Stars 🌟

Let’s celebrate Black excellence, innovation, and community together! See you there!

🔗 Register now and let’s make October 15 one to remember! 💼🎉

11:30AM | Please join us as we celebrate our 42nd Annual Business Awards Luncheon. While many accomplishments have been garnered from our 1st member inking an $11 Million dollar deal from their hard work and attendance of a GABC private casting call to help close that deal and receive national expo...

07/09/2024

07/01/2024

Let's try a Dry July as we invite building a love story with our livers.

Ah, July. The month of barbecues, beach days, and backyard boozing.

The month where "just one more drink" becomes a summer anthem.

But not this year.

This July, I decided with a bunch of my friends to embark on a journey as dry as a desert and as sober as a judge.

Yes, folks, I committed to Dry July, giving up liquor for the entire month to honor our friends and family and to continue on my health journey.

Cue the dramatic music and heartfelt cheers.

Why would I, a self-proclaimed non-connoisseur of craft beers and fine wines, give up the nectar of the gods?

It’s simple: love and liver.

I wanted to support my friends and family, many of whom have been cutting down or cutting out alcohol for health reasons.

Plus, I figured my liver could use a vacation as I continue on my health journey to avoid the pitfalls of heart disease, stroke and diabetes my mother, grandparents, famous people, and others suffered through.

However, going dry wasn’t just a health decision; here are some expected or unexpected benefits many of us might experience:

Waking up without a hangover is like discovering a secret superpower. Who knew mornings could be so… enjoyable?

Leave conversations, all of them, with not just the highlights. Who knew that staying sober could make you a better listener and conversationalist?

Your bank account will be thrilled. No more pricey cocktails or impulsive online shopping sprees after a glass (or three) of wine.

Dive into or rediscover some hobbies. Dust off your guitar, take extended walks, try (and fail) to bake bread, and picked up knitting or something. Okay, so maybe knitting wasn’t for me, but it was worth a shot.

Sticking to Dry July won't always be easy, but my action plan to stay on track includes some handy tips:

- Invite your friends and family, or buddy up because misery loves company, and together we can cheer each other on and share the highs and lows of going dry.

- Mocktails can be magic by exploring the world of mocktails whipping up non-alcoholic drinks that taste just as good (if not better) than the real thing. Plus, they’re way more fun than plain old water.

- Keeping busy helps to avoid temptation with planned activities that don’t revolve around alcohol such as hiking, museum, or a DIY project.

- Remind yourself why you’re doing this by writing your reasons and keep them handy for when the going gets tough.

- Celebrate successes by rewarding yourself with fancy dinner, spa day, or a new gadget for sticking it out to make the journey more enjoyable.

I'll likely return to drinking, but I assume that I'll go about with a different might set.

But one thing’s for sure: this Dry July journey will demonstrate that we're stronger than we think, and sometimes, the best way to show love and commitment is by giving something up – even if it’s just for a little while.

So here’s to you, Dry July.

Learn how to navigate social situations without alcohol during Dry July with this survival guide for dealing with peer pressure, drink pushers, and socializing.

01/18/2024

Unraveling Truths: The Uvalde Report and the Power of Wokeness

In recent times, the concept of "wokeness" has become a central theme in our collective conversations about social justice, equality, and accountability. A poignant example of this can be found in the Uvalde Report, a compelling illustration of how embracing wokeness deepens our understanding of events, fosters transparency, and fuels actionable change. This report, born out of tragedy, serves as a stark reminder that acknowledging uncomfortable truths is a crucial step towards building a safer, more equitable world.

Deepening Our Understanding: The Uvalde Report stands as a testament to the power of critical self-awareness and an unyielding commitment to truth. In delving into the events that transpired, it goes beyond mere acknowledgment, aiming to understand the systemic factors and individual choices that led to the tragedy. This depth of understanding is foundational to dismantling ingrained biases and rectifying flaws in our systems.

Transparency as a Catalyst for Change: Transparency is the cornerstone of accountability, and the Uvalde Report exemplifies this principle. By openly addressing the events and their underlying causes, the report invites the public into a space of shared knowledge. This transparency is not just about revealing shortcomings but is a bold statement that signals a commitment to learning from the past and fostering a culture of openness.

Actionable Change: Wokeness is not merely about awareness; it demands tangible action. The Uvalde Report goes beyond being a documentation of past events; it is a blueprint for change. By outlining specific actions, recommendations, and safeguards, it sets the stage for a proactive response. This commitment to change is a manifestation of wokeness in action, ensuring that the lessons learned are not in vain.

Preventing Future Loss of Life: Perhaps the most critical aspect of the Uvalde Report is its focus on preventing future tragedies. Wokeness, in this context, means recognizing the systemic failures that contributed to the loss of life and implementing safeguards to protect against such outcomes in the future. By doing so, it acknowledges the value of every life and the responsibility we collectively bear to protect one another.

The Uvalde Report serves as an inspiring example of how wokeness, far from being a divisive or empty buzzword, can be a catalyst for positive change. It teaches us that understanding the complexities of our world, embracing transparency, and taking decisive action are not just virtues but obligations. As we reflect on the lessons embedded in this report, let us be awakened to the immense potential for positive change when we confront uncomfortable truths with courage and commitment.

Police officials who responded to the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas “demonstrated no urgency," according to a new Justice Department report.

12/30/2021

Habari Gani? Nia!

Today’s principle is Nia.

One of the most exhilarating sensations a person can experience is that of a having a sense of purpose. 

Self-Determination helps us live on purpose. African-Americans are heirs to a tradition of communal greatness–from cultivating land that we were not allowed to own under generations of subjugation, to the limitless Black Girl Magic the world cannot get enough of today.

No matter what your purpose looks like or feels like, the principle of Nia reminds us that the ways we choose to use our time and our talents will build a legacy of Black Excellence.

12/28/2021

Habari Gani? Ujima!

This is the day we light the third candle on the kinara for collective work and responsibility. Pause for a moment of gratitude to those that helped make you who you are today. Your ancestors. Community members. Any and everyone who made a difference big or small in your journey to Self-determination counts!

Next reflect on how you can make a difference–big or small–to someone. How can you pass your gratitude on?

Today, give someone a call or send a sincere email to encourage someone in your life or express thanks to a person who made a difference in your life.

12/27/2021

Habari gani? Kujichagulia!

Yesterday’s principal was Umoja. Today, we light two candles for Kwanzaa. The foundation of building character and integrity begin with determining who you are.

Win Kujichagulia. Happy Kwanzaa.

“Freedom is not about how other people define you, but how you define yourself.”

Stedman Graham