Bronx politicians ripped Gov. Kathy Hochul after she asserted that some black children in the borough don’t know what the word “computer” means.
Hochul, speaking at an on-stage forum in California Monday, stuck her foot in her mouth while trying to explain how she wants to create a diverse workforce in new areas like artificial intelligence.
“Right now we have, you know, young black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is,” Gov. Kathy Hochul blabbered into a microphone Monday.
“They don’t know, they don’t know these things. And I want the world opened up to all of them,” she continued.
Lawmakers from the Bronx and all across the five boroughs quickly tore into Hochul’s gaffe – which she later said she regretted.
“Do better,” Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D-Bronx) wrote on X saying she was “deeply disturbed” by Hochul’s remarks.
“Our children are bright, brilliant, extremely capable, and more than deserving of any opportunities that are extended to other kids,” Reyes added.
“Our children, far from being underestimated, are the epitome of brilliance, resilience, and untapped potential,” Assemblyman John Zaccaro (D-Bronx) wrote in a statement.
“They are not only capable but deserving of every opportunity that their counterparts are offered. It’s disheartening to witness such a portrayal that undermines their abilities and aspirations,” he continued.
“I would invite Governor Hochul to visit us in The Bronx to experience firsthand the intelligence, resilience, and joy that radiate from Bronx children and residents each day,” Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo (D-Bronx) chimed in.
One Bronx pol coming to Hochul’s defense was Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) who called her words “inartful and hurtful.”
“While the Governor’s words were inartful and hurtful, I don’t believe that is where her heart is. I firmly believe she wants to see all of our students excel,” Heastie said.
“Working with Governor Hochul, I hope we can redouble our efforts to bring greater access to technology to our kids in the Bronx. All our students deserve an equal chance to grow and thrive,” he added.
Hochul made the remarks at the Milken Institute Global Conference Monday where she was primarily discussing her $400 million Empire AI initiative that recently passed as part of the state budget.
“I misspoke and I regret it,” Hochul later told the Post in a statement. “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. That’s why I’ve been focused on increasing economic opportunity since Day One of my Administration.”
The governor touts the broad partnership between universities and the state as a way to build New York’s tech sector and keep colleges competitive as industries develop.
A spokesperson for Hochul didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.