"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
Celia “DaPoet” Douglas’ (she/they) passion for the performing arts came from musicals, plays, and storytelling when she was growing up. Her love for the performing arts is rooted in her church upbringing, listening to gospel music, performing in church plays, and participating in her elementary and middle school talent shows. While attending Grover Cleveland Charter High School in Reseda, California, she was involved with the Black Student Union and Student Body Association in the position of Director of Sound. She directed the school assembly Black Brown Love in collaboration with Hispanic and Black organizations to celebrate culture and encourage unity on campus. She explored new hobbies and skills throughout the years, but writing has always been consistent. She started the poetry slam team her junior year, became Co-President of the Poetry Club, was heavily involved with Cafe Night, a showcase to highlight musicians and poets on campus, and is one of the founders of The Writer’s Block, a literary magazine showcasing students’ visual art, poetry, and prose. A proud moment of hers is leading her slam team to victory at the Get Lit Words Ignite Classic Poetry Slam in 2014, her senior year.
Celia earned her Bachelor's degree in English specializing in poetry and performance at HBCU Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. While attending Bennett College, she was the founder and President of the Bellesody Poetry Club and Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society President. She became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, with a mission of making change in the world with a primary focus on the Black Community. During her undergrad, she explored her interest in film and storytelling by directing and editing an hour-long social commentary film The Road to Discover Your Identity, a short film “Who You Callin’ a B”? and creating original poetic short films on social media to showcase her skills and passion for film and writing.
Celia pursued her M.A. in Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths College in London, England. While in London she had the opportunity to work in schools and teach creative writing to students and developed her unique approach to poetry. Celia’s position as a Production Intern for the ABC show Black-ish, retail experience with Universal Studios and Total Wine & More, and time as a Get Lit Creative Career Lab Fellow inform her positive attitude and professional knowledge, approaching each task with intent, passion, and hard work. Celia directed, produced, and hosted the first Los Angeles Valley Poetry Slam Melt the Mic in collaboration with 818 Community Darkroom in March 2024. She then continued with her success to start Melt the Mic Productions, aiming to produce poetry slams and events for the community. Celia has hosted over 50 open mics and led creative writing workshops between her time in the United States and the United Kingdom. She hosts a biweekly open mic in the San Fernando Valley, where all ages are welcome to share their skills and talents. Celia explores themes of expression, identity, and mental health in her writing. Celia loves to play pool and basketball and sing karaoke in the car, and her favorite color is blue.
