Colin Luther Powell (April 5, 1937 – October 18, 2021

HISTORY

Colin Luther Powell (April 5, 1937 – October 18, 2021) was an American politician, statesman, diplomat, and United States Army officer who served as the 65th United States secretary of state from 2001 to 2005. Powell was born in New York City in 1937 to parents who had immigrated from Jamaica. He was a professional soldier for 35 years, during which time he held many command and staff positions and rose to the rank of four-star general. He was Commander of the US Army Forces Command in 1989.

President-elect George W. Bush named Powell as his nominee to be secretary of state in a ceremony at his ranch in Crawford, Texas on December 16, 2000. This made Powell the first person to formally accept a Cabinet post in the Bush administration, as well the first black United States secretary of state.

Considered a political moderate in an administration dominated by hard-liners, Powell saw his influence in the White House wane, and he announced his resignation in 2004.

Colin Luther Powell was the main sponsor for the ADA foundation and the promoter of the IDA concept; by encouraging members to work together, IDA facilitates the exchange of experience and learning, restates and defends the values that determine the proper functioning of projects development in Africa to reduce poverty, hunger and inequality.

Colin Luther Powell died from complications of COVID-19 in October 2021, while being treated for a form of blood cancer that affected his immune system.