Mr. Jahkori Dopwell Hall shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jahkori, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I am learning the most from my students. As an Elementary School Art Teacher for grades K-5, they teach me to see the world with fresh eyes. Their curiosity, honesty, and creativity challenge me to stay present, adaptable, and open-minded. They remind me that every day is a new opportunity to grow, to laugh, and to create something meaningful. More than anything, they give my work a deep sense of purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jahkori Dopwell Hall, and I am a multi-talented African American teaching artist. I am also the proud CEO and founder of my own art business, Jahko Designs LLC. My work spans education, illustration, graphic design, poetry, and even music, as I’m also an emerging singer/songwriter. Most recently, I earned a Master of Arts degree in Art Education from the University of Florida—a milestone that reflects my dedication to both creative expression and academic achievement.
My journey has been anything but linear. It’s been full of twists, turns, and transformative moments that have shaped me into the person I am today. My brand is rooted in black excellence, authenticity, and a dedication to being the change I want to see in the world.
Alongside several ongoing projects—such as my annual Black History Year calendar and my newly released single “Keep Going”—I am also working on something deeply personal: my autobiography, where I share the pivotal decisions and experiences that have shaped my journey. Every step, even the most difficult ones, played a necessary role in laying the foundation for the success I’ve been able to achieved to this day.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
First and foremost, I believe God saw me clearly—long before I ever recognized my own potential. Every challenge, every moment of joy, every success, and even the hardships I’ve faced were all part of His divine plan. Two scriptures have anchored me throughout my life: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope,” and Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” These verses gave me strength, motivation, and clarity as I pursued my purpose and navigated life’s many seasons.
Another figure who saw me clearly was my uncle, Rohan Dopwell. In my childhood, he was a secondary father figure who helped ground me on a path of righteousness. Uncle Roh showed me that I was destined for more than being the class clown. I remember him once telling me, “If it’s attention you’re looking for, try getting it for doing the right thing instead of the wrong thing.” That simple yet powerful piece of advice sparked a shift in my mindset and my behavior changed for the better.
From that point on, I started to focus on making better choices and getting positive attention. I began earning many awards in school, including the Principal’s Award, Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance and more. It was my uncle’s advice that completely changed the course of my life. He spoke that possibility into me who saw in me what I couldn’t yet see in myself. I carry his words with me to this day through every achievement I make and every recognition I receive.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As much as I would like to say I never got to this point, there was a time where I almost gave up, and it was actually very recent. I have always aimed to exceed my own expectations and found myself in an incredibly overwhelming season of life where everything I was doing seemed to collide at once. I was juggling life as a dedicated art teacher, a new homeowner, the director of my own afterschool program, and a Master’s student—all at the same time.
On top of the pressure and stress that came with these responsibilities, I experienced a deep personal loss of both my grandmothers within the same school semester. That period was one of the lowest points in my life. I was grieving while still trying to stay afloat academically and professionally. To make it even harder, I had to retake a course twice, a first for me—which delayed my graduation by an entire year.
I felt like all my hard work was unraveling, like I was failing despite giving everything I had, but through that pain, I learned resilience. I leaned into my faith, my support system, and reminded myself that setbacks don’t erase progress, but that they are part of the process. In the end, I did graduate. That season didn’t break me, it shaped me into someone who could fight even through the breaking point to reach my goal.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Respectability, reliability, and dependability—what I call the “RRD” principles—are core truths that guide everything I do. These values were instilled in me by my uncle Roh, who taught my siblings and I that being respectful, reliable, and dependable would take us far in life, both personally and professionally. These three simple yet powerful phrases have become such a natural part of who I am that I rarely have to speak them out loud, I just live them. Whether I’m teaching, creating, leading, or learning, I always aim to show up in a way that reflects these qualities.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m painting, drawing, or creating purely for myself without deadlines, pressure, or expectations. Just creating for the joy of it. In those moments, I’m free. It’s when I can let go, be fully present, and connect with the purest form of my creativity. That’s where I find my calm, my center, and my sense of peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jahkoridopwellhall.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jah_kori
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahkori-dopwell-hall
- Twitter: https://x.com/jah_kori
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallkids.six.1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mr.Jahko_
- Other: TikTok: tiktok.com/@mr.jahko
