Colin Powell — In Memoriam

In memory — 65th U.S. Secretary of State (1937–2021).

Aged 84 at passing

1937–2021 · Born October 5, 1937 · Died October 18, 2021

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Quick biography

Colin Luther Powell was born on October 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York, to Jamaican immigrant parents, and raised in the South Bronx. He joined the Army ROTC at the City College of New York and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1958, beginning a 35-year military career.

Powell rose to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993 — the first African American in the role — overseeing U.S. forces during the Gulf War, and had earlier served as National Security Advisor under President Ronald Reagan.

Career highlights

✦1958 — Commissioned as a U.S. Army second lieutenant.
✦1987–1989 — National Security Advisor to Ronald Reagan.
✦1989–1993 — First African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
✦2001–2005 — 65th Secretary of State; first African American SoS.
✦2021 — Passes away on October 18, aged 84.

Personal life in brief

Powell was married to Alma Powell. They had three children. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Legacy & influence

In 2001 he became the 65th U.S. Secretary of State under George W. Bush — the first African American secretary of state — serving until 2005. He passed away on October 18, 2021, at the age of 84. 🕊️

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Colin Powell die?

Colin Powell died on October 18, 2021, at the age of 84, from complications of COVID-19 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

When was Colin Powell Secretary of State?

He served as the 65th U.S. Secretary of State from January 20, 2001 to January 26, 2005, under President George W. Bush.

What was historic about Colin Powell’s career?

He was the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993) and the first African American U.S. Secretary of State (2001–2005).