Former Secretary of State Colin Powell died Monday from complications of COVID-19. Powell was a four-star general and the Nation’s very first Black Secretary of State, as stated by his family.
During his 40 year tenure of being In the public eye, he served as the national security advisor and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff from 1989 to 1993 on the tail-end of Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Powell was the overseer of the U.S. invasion of Panama and then the U.S. invasion of Kuwait to oust the Iraqi army in 1991.
Powells family revealed that the 84-year-old was fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and had been receiving medical treatment for multiple myeloma. This is a blood cancer that limits the body’s ability to fight infection, as reported by his aide.
There has not been any information from his family on whether he had any underlying illnesses, nor is there any information on his complications from COVID or how long he had been hospitalized prior to his death.
The former secretary of state served President George W. Bush during his first term from 2001-2005. He received backlash in 2003 due to his speech suggesting the US go to war with Iraq. Later resigning in 2005, Powell divulged his statements and highlighted the moment as one of his “momentous failures.”
Bush helped lead the tribute and stated him as being “highly respected at home and abroad,” emphasizing his service in Vietnam, his valued counsel by many presidents, and the fact that he earned the medal of freedom twice.
The prolific secretary of state broke racial barriers and helped pave the way for Black Americans to achieve seats in office, for example, former President Barack Obama and current Vice-President Kamala Harris. His legacy will live on for the rest of history.
Powell is survived by his wife, Alma, and their three children.
Written by Mikal Eggleston
Source:
CNN: Colin Powell, former general and secretary of state, dead at 84; by Emily Crane
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