Colin Powell, the first Black US secretary passed away from Covid complications
(Picture: Getty Images)Colin Powell, 84, the first Black US secretary of state, has died of Covid-19 complications.
His leadership within numerous Republican administrations helped shape America's foreign policy relations over two decades.
"General Colin L. Powell, former US Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid-19," the family wrote on Facebook.
"We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather, and a great American," they said while mentioning that he received a full vaccination.
Mr Powell was a brilliant and pioneering professional soldier whose career led him from combat action in Vietnam to being Ronald Reagan's first Black national security adviser and President George H.W. Bush's youngest and first African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
After the US-led coalition victory in the Gulf War, his national popularity rose, and he was considered a top contender to become the first Black President of the United States for a time in the mid-1990s. But, as George W. Bush's first secretary of state, he presented erroneous intelligence to the United Nations to advocate for the Iraq War, which he later described as a "blot" on his record.
Mr Powell became the highest-ranking Black government official in the country when he was sworn in as Bush's secretary of state in 2001, despite never running for president. He was fourth in the presidential line of succession.
Speaking of his Senate hearing nomination, Mr Powell noted that it shows "the world" what is possible to achieve in the US no matter who you are.
"It shows to the world that: Follow our model, and over a period of time from our beginning, if you believe in the values that espouse, you can see things as miraculous as me sitting before you to receive your approval," he said
Check out some tributes below of his incredible service to US history.
This is hitting me hard. Colin Powell was a statesman who put his country & family above all else. As a young Black man, he inspired me & showed that there are no limits to what we can be or achieve. Sending my prayers to his family. Rest In Peace Secty https://t.co/zFQb1YAKVU
— Jaime Harrison, DNC Chair (@harrisonjaime) October 18, 2021
Rest in Power Colin Powell. A man of integrity, decency, and "true" patriotism.
— Cyrus Cormier (@CyrusCormier1) October 18, 2021
So sad to hear news General Colin Powell has passed away from Covid19 complications
— Charles V Payne (@cvpayne) October 18, 2021
Very impactful life.
RIP General
Coming up on @NewDay. Such sad news on the death of Gen Colin Powell. A phenomenal leader and terrific soldier. Rest peacefully, good & faithful servant.
— Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) October 18, 2021
Godspeed to Secretary Colin Powell who led with integrity, admitted fallibility and defended democracy. Deepest condolences to his loved ones and friends. https://t.co/PmPJFONRlV
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) October 18, 2021
Thank you for standing with us, Sir. Rest easy.
— Canadian Forces in 🇺🇸 (@CAFinUS) October 18, 2021
General Colin Powell, 1937-2021 pic.twitter.com/JfnOTURoHw
I can’t find the words knowing that General Colin Powell has transitioned this life at 84. According to @CNN he died due to COVID-19 Complications. He was fully vaccinated. He was an amazing man! tears!
— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) October 18, 2021
