WATCH: NY Gov. Hochul Walks Back Comments About Bronx Black Children After MAJOR Backlash

By Lisa Pelgin | Wednesday, 08 May 2024 05:15 AM
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WATCH: NY Gov. Hochul Walks Back Comments About Bronx Black Children After MAJOR Backlash
Image Credit : New York Times

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has retracted her controversial remarks suggesting that Black children in the Bronx are unfamiliar with the term "computer."

The comments were made during her address at the Milken Institute Global Conference in California, where she was discussing New York's artificial intelligence (AI) initiative.

"We have young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don't even know what the word 'computer' is… And I want the world opened up to all of them," Hochul stated at the conference.

Following a wave of criticism, the governor issued an apology, admitting that she had "misspoke." In a statement to The New York Post, Hochul expressed her regret, saying, "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."

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Several New York State Assembly members representing the Bronx responded to Hochul's comments, describing them as "misinformed" and "disheartening." Amanda Septimo, an assembly member for the 84th district which includes the Bronx, labeled the governor's remarks as "harmful, deeply misinformed, and genuinely appalling."

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Septimo extended an invitation to Governor Hochul to visit the Bronx, writing, "I would invite Governor Hochul to experience firsthand the intelligence, resilience, and joy that radiate from Bronx children and residents each day."

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John Zaccaro Jr, another assembly member, also expressed his disapproval of Hochul's comments. In a statement, he wrote, "The underlying perception conveyed about Black and brown children from the Bronx is not only disheartening but also deeply concerning. They are not only capable but deserving of every opportunity that their counterparts are offered."

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Karines Reyes, another representative from the Bronx, echoed these sentiments, stating she was "deeply disturbed" by Hochul's comments and the underlying perception she has of Black and brown children from the Bronx. She added, "Our children are bright, brilliant, extremely capable, and more than deserving of any opportunities that are extended to other kids." Reyes concluded her statement with a direct message to the governor: "Do better."

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