Gov. Kathy Hochul was doing damage control Tuesday after suggesting Monday that some Black children in the Bronx do not know what a computer is.

“We will be the best. We will be the first, and I want others to follow because right now, we have, you know, young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word computer is. They don't know,” Hochul said Monday at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills.

“They don't know these things and I want the world to open up to all of them because when you have their diverse voices innovating solutions through technology, then you're really addressing society's broader challenges,” Hochul added.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Kathy Hochul suggested Monday that some Black children in the Bronx do not know what a computer is
  • The comment drew backlash from many elected officials in the Bronx
  • Hochul did not address reporters in-person in Albany on Tuesday, but she apologized in a statement to NY1
  • Hochul’s legislative allies largely gave her the benefit of the doubt

She was promoting New York’s foray into artificial intelligence research through the state budget’s newly created consortium called Empire AI, promising that the multi-million dollar investment would do wonders for the next generation.

But the comments drew swift criticism from some in the Bronx.

Bronx Democratic state Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo called the governor’s words “harmful, deeply misinformed and genuinely appalling.”

Karines Reyes is a Democratic state Assemblywoman who represents the Bronx’s Parkchester and Castle Hill neighborhoods. She said in a statement on X that she was “deeply disturbed.”

Bronx Democratic state Sen. Gustavo Rivera said that he did not think Hochul’s remarks were “coming from a bad place.”

“I hope that she has the opportunity to explain herself more at length and let us know what she truly meant, but certainly those were not very artful comments,” Rivera said. 

Although Hochul did not address reporters in-person in Albany Tuesday, she apologized in a statement to NY1.

“While discussing my commitment to expanding economic opportunity for communities of color, 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.

Hochul’s legislative allies largely gave her the benefit of the doubt.

“She said she misspoke. She said it was inartful,” said state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins during a press conference.

“Actions are important and I know that we all understand that unless we are willing to invest in our students today for tomorrow, we will not be the leaders that we know we have to be,” Stewart-Cousins said.

Mayor Eric Adams strongly defended the governor Tuesday at City Hall.

“I know her heart. I know what she was intending to say. She was not trying to be disrespectful,” Adams said.

“Those who want to be the word police in this business, you go right ahead. The people of the Bronx knew where her heart was. She’s sincere about uplifting the people,” Adams said.

Other Bronx electeds said they want more commitment to education.

“She can make it up by giving the Bronx more money for [science, technology, engineering, and math] programs,” said Bronx Democratic state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez.

Hochul and state lawmakers have until June 6 before the official close of the legislative session.