Image Credits: Kamayah Gillis via Instagram @1969royalcourt
Even as a freshman, Kamayah Gillis carries herself with a presence that’s impossible to overlook. There’s a sincerity in the way she speaks, a quiet confidence and a charisma that feels natural, not performed. You can tell she is someone who leads with heart first, someone who has already lived through enough to understand her purpose and still chooses to show up for others with kindness. What’s most impressive is not just what she has accomplished, but how she has used her experiences to grow, connect and inspire. She might be new to college, but her self-awareness, compassion and courage to step outside her comfort zone already mark her as someone destined to make an impact at West Chester University.
Kamayah Gillis is a first-year psychology major from Philadelphia, PA, and although she is new to West Chester University, she has wasted no time leaving her mark. Currently, she serves as the freshman representative for both Black Men United and the Black Student Union, an impressive start for someone just beginning her college journey. I had the honor of interviewing Kamayah and getting to know the inspiring story behind her drive.
Growing up in North Philadelphia, Kamayah admits she was nervous when she first arrived on campus. Unsure of how she would make her presence felt, she decided to step outside of her comfort zone by joining the Miss Black and Gold Pageant. What began as a way to meet people and have fun quickly transformed into a meaningful platform. Through Miss Black and Gold, Kamayah hopes to educate others about racial injustice, poverty and the inadequate healthcare that disproportionately affects minorities in America. Above all, she aims to encourage those around her not simply to exist but to truly live.
She carries with her the mission and values upheld by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In her academic journey, Kamayah has confronted stereotypes head-on. She understands that although harmful labels are often placed on Black students, they do not define who we are. She embraces her confidence and outspoken nature while rejecting the notion that these qualities make her the “loud, ghetto Black girl.” Advocacy, for her, is not a stereotype but a strength, one she refuses to compromise.
Balancing academics, leadership and pageant responsibilities is not easy, but Kamayah’s approach is simple: she doesn’t overthink it. “I just do it,” she says, driven by determination and vision. With aspirations of becoming a child psychologist, Kamayah hopes to be the role model she once needed growing up. She also dreams of becoming a sports agent, not only to increase representation in the field but to support young athletes like Kyren Lacy, who needed someone to believe in him when few did.
(Sanaya Part) When asked about a personal challenge she has overcome, Kamayah shared something deeply impactful. At just 15 years old, she survived a brain aneurysm. Though it may not be visible to others, she explains that it changed her, she experiences severe headaches and tires easily when walking. From this experience, she learned that “good health is like a crown only the sick can see.” She refuses to let her condition define her; instead, she sees it as a reminder that life is fragile and precious. Her message is simple but powerful: live boldly. “Do it tired, do it mad, do it sad or even happy. Just do it.”
Kamayah also wants to give a special shoutout to Amirah Morris, her “bonus sister,” for keeping her grounded long before the pageant and even before coming to West Chester. Although Amirah doesn’t share snacks, Kamayah still expresses her love and gratitude. She also extends honorable mentions to Salea, Diamond and Amija.
Hearing her story, it becomes clear that she is more than a contestant, and rather a force. Her journey is proof that resilience can be soft, that leadership can be compassionate and that strength can be expressed through vulnerability, advocacy and truth. She stands as an example for her peers, her community and anyone watching her rise: you don’t have to wait to be older or more experienced to shine. Her passion for helping others, her commitment to growth and her refusal to let adversity define her make her exactly the kind of woman who uplifts every space she walks into. No matter the outcome, her legacy is already forming. One rooted in service, courage, authenticity and the belief that you can become everything you dream of, starting right now. Shout out to Kamayah!
Jazmyne Morgan is a fourth-year Philosophy major with a minor in Political Science. JM1001692@wcupa.edu NABJ’s Programs Coordinator
Sanaya Thomas is a Second Year Psychology Major & Women’s and Gender Studies Minor, ST1042469@wcupa.edu (NABJ’s Secretary)