Amiyah Scott Visits FSU
posted by Nieema Williams | April 24, 2019 | In NewsOn April 17, Club Spectrum at Fayetteville State University was graced by the presence of actress, model, author, and human rights activist Amiyah Scott. Many know her as “Cotton” from Lee Daniel’s Star on FOX. The purpose of her visit was to share her story of successes and struggles in the industry while fully becoming her true self. Scott was born Arthur Scott on January 11, 1988, in Manhattan, New York. She was raised in New Orleans. At an early age, Scott recognized that her personality didn’t fit her biologically-male body. Scott now lives her life as a woman who advocates for trans rights as well as all LGBTQ rights.
Concluding their 2019 Pride Week, FSU students had a plethora of questions for Scott. They ranged from specifics about her show and lifestyle to simple inquiries about what Netflix shows she was currently watching. Students learned that her nails cost $90 that week, that she loves Meghan The Stallion and Brittany Spears, and that she doesn’t go anywhere without an emergency make-up kit in her purse.
Some students aspiring to enter the industry wanted career advice, such as how to deal with the sudden from fameless to famous? How did she become a great actress? To which Scott answered: “Perfecting your craft, rehearsing monologues, even if you’re not working on a show. It keeps you fresh and ready for anything that comes your way.”
Because Scott was known originally for her hair and makeup influence on social media, one student asked for advice on a wig-making business she had just started. Scott complimented the hair and even bought one of the handmade wigs.
Students who identified with Scott on a more personal level had deeper questions about coming out, about dealing with the pressures of societal norms, and about maintaining or repairing family relationships once you have decided to stand firm in your identity. Needless to say, the Q&A portion of the night was a phenomenal success.
Scott left the student body with positive words of encouragement. Due to her very large social media following, Scott was the first openly transgender woman cast on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, which landed her her current role on Star. She told students that she is currently working on her own makeup line and that she has a book titled Memoirs of a Mermaid that will be released April 29.
“Continuing to work hard and develop as a person will get you the success you want, because the glow up was never external,” Scott said.
Marshae Kelly, an active member of Club Spectrum, had the privilege of introducing the guest of honor. When I sat and talked with Kelly about Scott’s visit, she said, “Having Amiyah Scott even visit FSU shows how much we are progressing as a club and as a student body. People usually do not show up to our events, and it is sad that it took a celebrity appearance for a large crowd to show up. However, it helped people recognize the LGBT community on campus.”
When I asked Kelly if she received everything she hoped for and had all her questions answered by Scott, she stated, “I got my entire life as soon as she walked into the building.”
Club Spectrum finished their week of events with a ball on April 18.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.