Colin Powell: Four-Star General and First Black U.S. Secretary of State

Colin Powell was an American general and diplomat who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as the first Black U.S. Secretary of State. Born Colin Luther Powell on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York City, he rose from a family of Jamaican immigrants to become one of the most trusted public servants in the nation.

Powell served as National Security Advisor from 1987 to 1989 and as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993, overseeing the invasion of Panama and Operation Desert Storm. He was the 65th Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005, where he was also a leader of international HIV/AIDS efforts. His 2003 speech to the UN Security Council on Iraq's weapons programs later became a source of deep regret for him.

Powell married Alma Johnson in 1962, and they had three children, including Michael Powell, a former chairman of the FCC. He restored vintage Volvos as a hobby. He died on October 18, 2021, at age 84, of complications from COVID-19 while being treated for multiple myeloma. Remembered for his sense of duty, he was a trusted voice in both parties.

Achievements: National Security Advisor (1987-1989), 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993), oversaw Operation Desert Storm (1991), 65th Secretary of State (2001-2005).

Birth: April 5, 1937 - Harlem, New York City.

Profession: U.S. Army general and diplomat.

Interesting Facts: He was the first Black Secretary of State and the youngest and first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He enjoyed restoring old Volvo and Saab cars.