(TargetLiberty.org) – On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York faced backlash for remarks she made at a conference in California, which led to her expressing regret later that evening. At the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Governor Hochul, while discussing a significant artificial intelligence initiative, commented that young Black children in the Bronx were unfamiliar with even the term “computer.”
Her comments did not sit well, drawing criticism not only from the public but also from her colleagues in the New York state legislature, prompting her to issue a retraction of her statements. She clarified her intent by stating, “I misspoke and I regret it. Of course, Black children in the Bronx are aware of what computers are. The real issue is their lack of access to the technology that can lead to future opportunities in high-paying, emerging fields like artificial intelligence.”
New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Reverend Al Sharpton offered measured support to Hochul. Heastie believed the governor’s comments were not indicative of her intentions and expressed hope for collaborative efforts to increase technology access in the Bronx. Reverend Sharpton suggested that while Hochul’s delivery might have been lacking, she highlighted an important issue regarding the digital divide affecting the community.
However, some Bronx representatives did not accept Hochul’s remarks lightly. Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr., and Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo voiced strong concerns about the implications of Hochul’s comments. Reyes publicly urged the governor to improve her understanding and approach, while Zaccaro pointed out that the remarks were not only disappointing but also painted a troubling picture of the children in their community.
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