New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Img source: ca.news.yahoo.com
May 8, 2024 Story by: Publisher
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire for stating that Black children in the Bronx are unfamiliar with the term “computer.”
“Right now, we have young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is,” she remarked. “They don’t know these things.”
The Democrat made these comments while addressing a technology panel in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.
Ms. Hochul later acknowledged that she misspoke and expressed regret for her statement.
She was attending the Milken Institute Global Conference on Monday to discuss New York’s artificial intelligence initiative.
During a fireside chat, Ms. Hochul detailed a new AI consortium involving universities and state schools.
She mentioned that funds raised by the state would support the development of a supercomputer accessible to researchers.
The governor then repeated that Black children in the Bronx don’t know what the word “computer” is. Source: BBC
“I want the world to open up to all of them,” she added, “because when you have their diverse voices innovating solutions through technology, then you’re really addressing society’s broader challenges.”
Following criticism, Ms. Hochul released a statement on Monday saying she “misspoke and I regret it.”
“Of course Black children in the Bronx know what computers are – the problem is that they too often lack access to the technology needed to get on track to high-paying jobs in emerging industries like AI,” she clarified.
Bronx elected officials condemned the governor’s remarks.
New York Assembly member Karines Reyes, who is Afro-Latina, stated she was “deeply disturbed” by Ms. Hochul’s comments.
South Bronx Assembly member Amanda Septimo, who is Black, described the remarks as “harmful, deeply misinformed and genuinely appalling.”
