About
Colin Powell (1937-2021) was a four-star general in the U.S. Army and a statesman. Born in Harlem to Jamaican immigrant parents, he served 35 years in the military, becoming the first African American National Security Advisor (1987-1989) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993). He oversaw major operations such as the Gulf War (1991). As Secretary of State (2001-2005), he presented flawed evidence on Iraq to the UN, which he later acknowledged as a blot on his record. He received numerous honors and founded America's Promise.
Major works
- My American Journey (1995)autobiography
Key milestones
- 1989Becomes the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- 2001Becomes the first African American U.S. Secretary of State.
- 2003Presents evidence to the UN on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, later acknowledged as flawed.
Themes
Military leadershipDiplomacyPowell DoctrinePublic serviceDiversity and inclusion
Sources: history.state.gov · jcs.mil · 2001-2009.state.gov