The Lit City Member Spotlight highlights the work our members do for the community.
Member Spotlight
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January | Catherine Crevecoeur, Esquire
Bio
Catherine Crevecoeur is a corporate lawyer who resides in Jersey City and works in New York City. When she’s not responding to emails, she enjoys reading, watching films and TV shows, and then debating those films and TV shows over drinks with friends and in the TikTok comment sections.How would you introduce yourself to the Lit City community?
I grew up as a dancer as well as an avid reader and writer. I’ve loved deciphering metaphors and piecing together fully developed characters. I don’t get to do as much in my day to day, so I am excited by a space that encourages reading and literacy. The lessons we learn from texts are applicable to other media and the world around us.What are you currently spending your time and energy on?
Trying new cooking recipes! I recently mastered spicy beef ramen.What role do books, learning, or reflection play in your life right now?
I think I often fall privy to instant gratification and constant distractions. When I get lost in a book, it’s good to flex the part of my brain that focuses on one thing at a time.What’s something you’re looking forward to or hoping to grow into?
Balancing discipline with relaxation! -
November 2025 | Motion, — More Than a Host, He’s the Moment
This month, we’re shining a light on MOTION — a dynamic MC, poet, and performer whose presence has become a cornerstone of Lit City Underground. Known for his infectious energy, quick wit, and ability to make every room feel alive, Motion embodies what our community is all about: authenticity, connection, and purpose.
In this conversation, he reflects on his creative journey, the power of community, and the vision he holds for the future of art and collaboration.Your artistry spans poetry, music, and performance. How do you describe the work you do and the impact you want it to have?
I have come to realize that my gift is using words, my presence and essence to impact and inspire people for the greater good. There is a difference between my gift and the mediums it shows up as which is performing poetry, music or even hosting.You’ve been a pillar in Lit City Underground — what has this community meant to you as a creative, and how has the space shaped your work?
What I love and admire the most about Lit City Underground is how the event is so well curated and intentional..but most importantly it builds community! Such a foundation allows people to show up and be themselves authentically, it's truly magical.What’s a moment in your creative journey that affirmed you were exactly where you’re meant to be?
It's hard to pick but a few come to mind, like performing at the legendary Essence Fest in New Orleans, opening for Talib Kweli and also being one of the headliners at an amazing festival in South Africa.If you could build your dream creative community or space — what would it look like and who would be in the room?
This is a tough one but I would say somewhere in nature...a building in the middle of nature that has greenery, water and a small collective of creative people!What book, album, or piece of art has shifted your perspective most recently — and why did it resonate so deeply?
Tomorrow Died Yesterday by Chimeka Garricks. It didn't shift my perspective but I love that it shed light on an important issue interwoven with such rich characters with powerful stories! It's set in the oil spill ravaged Niger Delta area of Nigeria.About MOTION
MOTION is an energetic and loquacious MC-Host with an incredible range, serving as the master of ceremonies for brands, television, parties, weddings, galas, birthdays, milestone celebrations and moderating panels across international conferences. His dexterity has set him apart among others, along with his off the cuff humor, ability to improvise and unrelenting energy. Motion understands how to read a crowd, knowing when to push, pull and set the tempo in ways that are instinctive, intentional and emotionally intelligent.Distinctively potent and dynamic, Motion has graced the stage with Davido, Talib Kweli, Teni the Entertainer, Jidenna and Nana Kwabena (Chiefy Chiefy). He has MC'ed some of the biggest events in the U.S and globally including the U.N General Assembly events, Southouse & Afrolituation, Nwali Fest (South Africa) and the legendary Essence Festival to name a few. He’s also moderated panels or been invited as a panelist and performer at the University of Michigan, Columbia University, Stanford University, NYU and other elite institutions of higher learning.
Follow MOTION:
🎤 @ayoinmotion for poetry, music, and creative expression
🎙️ @motiontotheworld for hosting and live event work
🎧 Listen to his new single “I Left Her in Nigeria” here: motionmrbello.hearnow.com/i-left-her-in-nigeria -

August 2025 | The Real Mike Wilson: Bridging Beats, Stories, and Soul
Michael E. Wilson Jr., known to many as The Real Mike Wilson, is a musician, storyteller, and creative force with roots in Brooklyn and a home base in Queens, New York. For over two decades, Mike has been mastering his craft as an emcee, producer, spoken word artist, and poet using rhythm, language, and sound to build bridges between people and their stories.
A natural educator as well as performer, Mike leads dynamic song and poetry writing workshops that blend lyric analysis with hands-on music production, engineering lessons, and live recording. These workshops don’t just teach music, they unlock the power of self-expression and community through sound.
When he’s not teaching, Mike is performing. Whether on stage with a live band or in studio sessions, he brings his storytelling to life through heartfelt lyrics and carefully crafted beats. His passion for narrative also extends to the page. In 2021, he published his first collection of short stories, Faces, followed by The Wonderful Life of Mr. Silverlinning in the summer of 2025. Both works explore human emotion and connection with the same authenticity found in his music. Currently, Mike is deep in the creative process writing his next book and producing new songs for upcoming projects, while continuing to mentor and inspire the next generation of artists.
Through every beat, every word, and every story, Mike stays true to his mission: to inspire others to create from a place of authenticity and own their stories.
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July 2025 | Danielle De Souza, CEO and Founder of D2 Communications
What do you want folks to know about you?
"I am the Founder and CEO of D2 Communications, a public relations boutique committed to amplifying Black voices and sharing authentic stories that reflect the richness and diversity of our community."
What inspired you to start your own PR boutique, and how did your identity as a Black entrepreneur shape your mission and vision?
“After spending 10 years as a reporter and later working as a spokesperson in both state and city agencies, I witnessed firsthand the systemic challenges Black professionals face in the media and public service sectors. I experienced racism in the newsroom, struggled to tell our stories through a positive and accurate lens, and saw how Black leaders were often overlooked and denied the opportunity to speak for themselves or receive public credit for their work. Those experiences lit a fire in me. I started my own PR business to create a space where I could take control of the narrative to spotlight Black-owned businesses and leaders in our communities, elevate their voices, and ensure they are seen, heard, and valued.”
How do you use your platform to uplift other Black-owned businesses or underrepresented voices through your work in public relations?
“As a Black-owned PR boutique, we intentionally use our platform to amplify the voices of other Black-owned businesses, leaders, and underrepresented communities by prioritizing partnerships rooted in equity, cultural representation, and empowerment. Whether it’s securing meaningful media coverage, crafting authentic brand narratives, or connecting our clients to valuable networks and opportunities, we are committed to using our expertise to open doors. Representation matters—and through intentional storytelling, strategic visibility, and community building, we help ensure that diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated.”
How has your business journey unfolded so far?
“Starting a new business has been both rewarding and challenging. There’s a deep sense of purpose in building something that reflects my values and serves my community, but it also takes a lot of resilience, especially as a Black woman navigating the entrepreneurial space. There are moments of uncertainty, long hours, and a constant pressure to prove your worth. But I’m grateful to have a strong support system. My partners, Richard and Mario, are incredible, and I truly love working with our clients. Seeing them receive the recognition they deserve, shaping narratives that reflect our truth, and building meaningful relationships, that’s what makes it all worth it. It’s a journey of growth, grit, and gratitude.”
Tell us about the LCBC community and why chose to be a part of it?
“This community fills me with joy and inspiration. Connecting with fellow creatives, writers, and readers has been nothing short of uplifting. I’m deeply passionate about literacy and I truly believe it has the power to transform lives and, ultimately, change the world. It’s an honor to represent Lit City and be part of a movement that celebrates the power of words and storytelling.”
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June 2025 | Holding Space for Healing: Dr. Carlisdania Mendoza on Mental Health and Identity
Dr. Mendoza was born in the Dominican Republic and now calls Brooklyn home.
She’s made it her mission to support high-achieving Black and Caribbean American women navigating the pressures of identity, family, culture, and self-worth. Her approach is thoughtful, holistic, and deeply rooted in compassion.
She sees the things that often go unspoken — the quiet weight of expectations, the pain of estrangement, and the struggle to feel seen. And through her work, she’s creating space for real healing, real empowerment, and real connection.
We’re honored to have her in our community.
Check her out at www.combaheepsych.com : she’s someone you’ll definitely want to know.
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June 2025 | Shanice Brette, Championing Afro-Caribbean Stories on Screen
Shanice Brette is a writer and director born in Castries, Saint Lucia, and raised in Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean. Her storytelling is rooted in the lived experiences of immigrant women particularly those from the Afro-Caribbean diaspora bringing their voices, histories, and resilience to the forefront.
She is currently in pre-production on her debut short film, MUMMA a deeply personal narrative about a pregnant St. Lucian woman navigating the complexities of motherhood, migration, and ancestral care. With a focus on cultural memory and generational strength, MUMMA promises to be a tender, evocative portrait of identity and legacy.
The project was recently awarded the prestigious 2025 WAVE Grant for first-time women filmmakers and is now seeking $20,000 in community support to bring the film to life.
Support the campaign or help spread the word:
seedandspark.com/fund/mummaLet’s help amplify this important story.

