Colin Powell Throughout The Years

Story by Jaslene Barnes. Photo courtesy of britanica.com. 

On October 18, 2021, Colin Powell, the first black US secretary of State, died from  Covid-19 complications. Most people only know him as Secretary of State, but he’s done many other things. 

Colin Powell was born on April 5th, 1937 in Harlem, New York. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica who stressed the importance of education. He graduated from Morris High School. Powell went to the City College of New York to study geology and later joined the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps). Powell became the commander and graduated top of his ROTC class in 1958. With that rank, he was promoted to second lieutenant in the United States Army. He was also one of the 16,000 military advisers chosen by President Kennedy to go to Vietnam in 1962.

In 1963, Powell was awarded the Purple Heart and later that year the Bronze Star. All in all, Powell has been awarded 11 military awards—he even earned the Legion of Merit and a White House Fellowship! 

In conclusion, Colin Powell was a very outstanding man and served his country well.  While it was very sad that he died, he did so with achievements that everyone will remember.

Jaslene Barnes is an 8th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.