Former President Joe Biden, in his first public speech since leaving office, ignited a wave of reactions Tuesday after recounting a childhood memory in which he referred to Black children as “colored kids”—a term now widely recognized as outdated and offensive. The remarks, delivered at a Chicago conference focused on Social Security and disability advocacy, marked Biden’s return to the public stage nearly three months after departing the White House.

A Childhood Memory and a Controversial Phrase

Biden, 82, reflected on his early years in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and his family’s move to Wilmington, Delaware. “I hardly encountered... any Black individuals in Scranton back then, and I was just in fourth grade,” he told the audience. He described a formative moment: “I recall seeing children, colored children, passing by on a bus that never turned toward Claymont High School.” Biden explained that learning Black children were barred from attending public schools alongside white students “ignited my sense of outrage as a kid” and shaped his lifelong commitment to justice and dignity.

Social Media and Political Reactions

The use of the term “colored kids” quickly drew sharp criticism and debate online. Some commentators interpreted Biden’s language as a relic of the era he was describing, reflecting the terminology and realities of segregation in mid-20th-century America. Others, however, saw the comment as racially insensitive, questioning the former president’s awareness and choice of words in 2025.

Critics, including some within his own party, seized on the moment to highlight what they see as a pattern of verbal missteps and generational disconnect. The incident also revived discussions about Biden’s long and sometimes controversial record on race, including his past opposition to certain desegregation policies and his complicated history with civil rights issues.

Biden’s Broader Message

Despite the controversy, Biden’s speech was primarily focused on defending Social Security, which he called “a sacred promise” and accused congressional Republicans of seeking to “cut and gut.” He did not mention President Trump by name but alluded to recent claims about Social Security fraud, injecting humor about his own age and longevity.

Biden’s address was seen as a significant re-entry into the political conversation, coming as the new administration pursues sweeping changes to federal programs. The White House, meanwhile, sought to downplay his return, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quipping about Biden’s age and sleep schedule.

A Legacy of Complex Conversations on Race

Biden’s anecdote, and the reaction it sparked, underscores the enduring complexities of America’s racial history and the evolving standards of public discourse. While his story was intended to illustrate an early awakening to injustice, the language he used served as a reminder of the generational and cultural shifts that continue to shape the nation’s conversations about race, memory, and leadership.

As Biden steps back into the public eye, the incident highlights both the power and the pitfalls of personal narrative in American politics—and the scrutiny that follows every word from those who have held the nation’s highest office.