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‘I’m on This Show Representing Black Womanhood’: Eboni K. Williams Opens Up About Being the First Black Woman to Join ‘RHONY’

By | Published on October 23, 2020
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Eboni K. Williams‘ addition to Bravo’s reality show “The Real Housewives of New York” means more to her than just being the first Black woman to be added to the cast. 

During an appearance on “People (the TV Show!),” the “State of the Culture” co-host spoke openly about what that role on the franchise meant to her and why she takes the “responsibility very seriously.” 

Eboni K. Williams becomes the first Black cast member of “The Real Housewives of New York.” (photo source: Eboni Williams’ Instagram page/@ebonikwilliams)

“This is not the first time I’ve been the first Black woman in a space. I was the first Black woman at my law firm coming out of law school,” the attorney explained. “When you are privileged to be the first, you represent your entire culture. I’m not just on this show as Eboni K. Williams. In many ways, I’m on this show representing Black womanhood. I take that responsibility very seriously. I don’t have the option to be a shrinking violet.”

Williams expressed that she was excited to share her cultural background and perspective as a Black woman with her fellow castmates. “This isn’t a lecture hall, nobody’s doing any classroom instruction, but it is an authentic revealing of some really essential dope parts of New York,” said the 37-year-old Williams. 

She continued, “I don’t know how you have this show for 13 years, and you don’t reveal and revere those aspects of Black culture as they so deeply correlate with the New York City experience. We’re going to have all the race discussions. I’m not somebody to bite my tongue, and I don’t hold back. And that’s not for the sake of confrontation, that’s only for the sake of growth.”

It was announced earlier this month that Williams would be joining the cast for its 13th season. Initially, the media personality said she was “excited to join this legendary franchise as the first Black housewife” and couldn’t “wait to share a slice of life in this city that hasn’t been seen before.”

Williams will be joining fellow castmates Luanne de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Leah McSweeney and Sonja Morgan. Her inclusion on the show came after the franchise revealed its interest in diversifying its cast following the departure of cast members Dorinda Medley and Tinsley Mortimer. Filming for the show has already begun. However, there is no word on when the season will premiere.

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