Meet Darnell Jackson Jr.

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darnell Jackson Jr. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Darnell, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

“I was resilient before I even knew what the word meant. Growing up in an urban environment on the East Side of Buffalo, NY, and witnessing difficult situations taught me how to navigate obstacles. Both of my parents were survivalists, which played a significant role in shaping my outlook on life.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

After more than a decade of silence—battling depression, anxiety, and crippling grief—therapy led me back into the studio, where I recorded my most transparent and vulnerable music to date: Tears For Sale.

This isn’t just an album—it’s a story, a confession, and a testament to survival, wrapped in soulful melodies and gripping lyrics.

In the middle of the pandemic, I quit my job of nine years at Georgia Power to start my business, Jackson Park Creations. While I’ve always had a hustle mentality, I wasn’t necessarily a businessperson. I made some great moves—and some not-so-great ones.

Unresolved past traumas, depression, anxiety, and the devastating loss of close friends and family members in 2024 nearly pushed me to my breaking point. The stress took a toll on my health, leading to high blood pressure and, eventually, a mild heart attack. Isolating myself from others was slowly killing me.

That’s when I knew I needed therapy. It helped me open up, become more transparent, and ultimately led me back to writing. Those writings turned into songs.

Now, I just want to share my story, hoping it connects with others and helps them through whatever they’re going through.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One of my most valuable skills is always looking ahead. Change can be difficult for some, but I make it a priority to stay ahead of the latest trends so I can continue to bring value to others.

Another quality I embrace is authenticity. So many people get caught up in wearing a mask for the world, not realizing that what the world truly wants is our most genuine, unfiltered selves.

Lastly, I believe transparency is a powerful quality. This is something I’ve only recently begun to embrace, but I’ve learned that opening up and being vulnerable not only makes you stronger but also helps build deeper, more meaningful relationships.

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Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

I believe my biggest area of growth in the last 12 months has been in self-care, self-forgiveness, and self-love.

I used to seek approval and love from others as a way to measure my own value. But I’ve come to realize that the love I have for myself is what truly matters. This past year nearly broke me, and it made me understand how important it is to cherish the time I have left. I want to leave this world empty—having given my all—and full of meaningful memories.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@RipStudiosGa

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