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       New York governor regrets saying Black kids in the Bronx don't know
       what a computer is
        
 (HTM) Source
        
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       ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she regrets making an
       offhand remark that suggested Black children in the Bronx do not know
       what the word "computer" means.
        
       Hochul, a Democrat, made the extemporaneous comment Monday while being
       interviewed at a large business conference in California to discuss
       expanding economic opportunities in artificial intelligence for low-
       income communities.
        
       "Right now, we have young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don't
       even know what the word computer is. They don't know, they don't know
       these things," Hochul said while on stage at the Milken Institute
       Global Conference.
        
       The remark was not addressed during the interview and the governor
       went on to explain that her goal is to provide avenues for communities
       of color to access emerging artificial intelligence technologies as a
       means to address social inequality.
        
       Still, the comment drew immediate criticism from some political
       leaders in New York, including state Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo, a
       Bronx Democrat, who said the remark was "harmful, deeply misinformed,
       and genuinely appalling."
        
       In a statement later Monday, Hochul said "I 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,"
       Hochul said. "That's why I've been focused on increasing economic
       opportunity since Day One of my Administration, and will continue that
       fight to ensure every New Yorker has a shot at a good-paying job."
        
       New York state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat who
       represents the Bronx in the Legislature, came to Hochul's defense as
       her remarks began to gain traction online.
        
       "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.
        
        
        
        
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