“Young Black kids growing up in the Bronx don’t even know what the word computer is.”
This is an all-time classic
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 23, 2026
NY Governor Hochul: "Young black kids in the Bronx that don't even know what the word of 'computer' means" pic.twitter.com/ftBMJc1OpL
That assertion from Kathy Hochul came during a May 2024 appearance at the Milken Global Conference, where the New York governor outlined an expansive agenda focused on artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and health care policy. Speaking about efforts to position New York as a global technology leader, Hochul argued that access to emerging industries must extend beyond elite institutions and affluent communities. She framed her remarks around economic inclusion, warning that if technological revolutions are driven only by those with Ivy League educations, existing divides will deepen.
Hochul’s comments came as she described the newly launched Empire AI Consortium, a public-private partnership backed by hundreds of millions of dollars in state and private commitments. The initiative, developed with support from business leaders including IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, aims to build a high-powered supercomputer accessible to researchers and students across participating universities, including Columbia, Cornell, New York University, the University of Rochester and state schools. Hochul said the goal is to prevent artificial intelligence research from being concentrated solely in large private companies and to ensure broader access to computing power, federal research grants and technology careers. She paired the consortium’s leadership with figures such as Krishna and Girls Who Code CEO Tarika Barrett, signaling an emphasis on industry credibility and gender inclusion in the technology workforce.
Hochul also tied economic competitiveness to health policy, arguing that worker retention and innovation depend on supporting families. She highlighted state actions to reduce insulin costs, expand access to prenatal care and require employers to provide 20 hours of paid time off for prenatal medical appointments. She said the policy is intended to address maternal and infant mortality disparities while strengthening long-term workforce participation. At the same time, she emphasized mental health services in schools, describing the lingering effects of pandemic isolation on students entering the workforce. According to Hochul, addressing those challenges early is critical to sustaining productivity and innovation.
Gov. Newsom to a black crowd in GA: "I am like you. I'm a 960 SAT guy. I can't read." pic.twitter.com/4Gk0WKbIYz
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 23, 2026
Hochul’s remarks come as other Democratic governors project their own national profiles. In Atlanta, Gavin Newsom recently spoke to a predominantly Black audience during a tour promoting his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry. Newsom discussed his lifelong struggle with dyslexia, describing himself as a “960 SAT guy” who cannot read prepared speeches and recalling frequent school changes and academic insecurity. He framed his story as one of perseverance and civic engagement, encouraging voter participation and warning against political intimidation. While Newsom’s focus centered on personal narrative and democratic activism, Hochul’s comments emphasized structural investments in technology, manufacturing and health care as tools to reshape economic opportunity. Together, the appearances reflect how two leaders of the nation’s largest states are articulating distinct visions for education, equity and the future of work.
