5 Memorable Black Women from “The Real World”

5. Heather B: “The Real World: New York” 1992

The “Real World” got off to an interesting start back in ’92 when it first debuted, throwing two bold African Americans repping Jersey in an apartment full of white people from all over. Writer and activist Kevin Powell was one of them, and Heather B., a hip hop artist with Boogie Down Productions, was the other. In true “Real World” fashion, not even very far into the first episode, a roommate (of the un-black persuasion) questions if the rhymestress carries a beeper because she’s a drug dealer…It’s safe to say that cast member was quickly labeled a racist (a title she was able to refute, somehow), but Heather B. proved to handle such sticky and uncomfortable situations with class, while future black Real World-ers would’ve been ready to throw fisticuffs. Heather is a pioneer by being the first black female Real World cast member. She had her iffy moments like most, but all in all, the driven, fun and flirtatious Jersey rhyme-spitter represented well for the ladies.