I think what OP meant is "if the algorithm were designed (or perhaps implemented) in the 1700s according to standards of fairness held by those in power at that time, then it might have treated African Americans unfairly (despite being an algorithm)". I'm not a mind reader but that seems to make some sense given the context of the discussion.
> If certain groups of people are being treated poorly in modern times then an algorithm that sentences people would possibly include that bias as well.
I’d even change the word “would” to “will” as that has already occurred time and again.
I think you two are violently agreeing with one another, but misunderstanding one another as well.