Colin Powell was an American politician, diplomat, statesman, and four-star general who served as the 65th Secretary of State of the United States from 2001 to 2005. He was widely regarded as the first African-American Secretary of State. Powell, who was born in the South Bronx and graduated from the United States Military Academy in June 1958, was commissioned as an Army second lieutenant and later became the Commander of the United States Army Forces Command in 1989.
He was the 16th US National Security Advisor and the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1988 to 1989. (1989-93). He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award for his years of service in the military.
He’d written an autobiography, “My American Journey” (1995), as well as a book, “It Worked for Me, Lessons in Life and Leadership” (2012). He died of COVID-19 complications on October 18, 2021, at the age of 84, despite having been fully vaccinated. The news of Powell’s death shocked the entire country, and even US President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to his family. It has even resulted in the temporary suspension of his verified Twitter account, which has thousands of followers.
How Much is the Net Worth of Colin Powell?
His professional career as a politician, diplomat, statesman, and retired military serviceman earned him a substantial sum of money. Powell’s career began as a military man while he was still a university student, and Colin Powell rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful figures in the United States, even being referred to as an American hero.
Powell’s 35 years of service to the country, followed by four years as Secretary of State, brought many changes to the country, and his position rewarded him handsomely. He had a net worth of $60 million, including his earnings.
Early Years and Education
Colin Powell was born in the United States of America on April 5, 1937, in New York City. Colin Luther Powell was his first name. He was a citizen of the United States. Powell was of mixed ethnicity (Jamaican-American) and was born under the sign of Gemini.
Powell was raised in the South Bronx, where he attended Morris High School and graduated in 1954, as the son of Jamaican immigrants Maud Ariel and Luther Theophilus Powell. Luther worked as a shipping clerk, and Maud worked as a seamstress. Powell remained an ordinary student throughout high school, despite his parents’ insistence that he “strive for a good education” in order to live a happy life.
Powell worked at a local baby furniture store while in school and later helped Orthodox families as a Shabbos goy. In 1958, he graduated from City College of New York with a bachelor’s degree in geology. In 1971, he received an MBA from George Washington University, and in 1990, he received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from the same institution.
How Did Colin Powell Die?
Colin Powell died of COVID-19-related complications on October 18, 2021, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. At the time of his passing, he was 84 years old. At the time, he was being treated for blood cancer and had even been vaccinated, but his immune system had been compromised by myeloma.
Many of his fans and loved ones have been left in pain and grief as a result of his death. President Joe Biden, as well as four of the five living former presidents, paid tribute to Powell on Twitter with statements recognizing him as an American hero.
Colin Powell’s Career Highlights:
- When he was a university student, Colin Powell enlisted in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
- After that, he was promoted to second lieutenant in the Army.
- He was assigned to the 48th Infantry in West Germany as a platoon leader after basic training.
- Colin worked as a South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) advisor for a year during the Vietnam War.
- He did a White House Fellowship under President Richard Nixon from 1972 to 1973 after returning from Vietnam.
- He was a senior military assistant to Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger in the 1980s, after which he served at Fort Carson.
- Between 1987 and 1989, he served as the 16th US National Security Advisor.
- In 1989, he served as the Commander of the United States Army Forces Command.
- From 1989 to 1993, he served as the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s 12th chairman.
- From October 1989 to September 1993, he served in the military for 35 years, the last of which was as the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Powell established America’s Promise in 1997 with the goal of assisting children from all walks of life.
- In 2001, he became the Bush administration’s 65th Secretary of State. He was the first African-American secretary of state when he was appointed to the position.
- After Bush’s reelection in 2004, he had no choice but to resign.
- In 2006, he gave a talk at the Get Motivated series of motivational events.
- 2007, he became a member of Steve Case’s Revolution Health board of directors.
- In addition, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Council on Foreign Relations.
- During National Mentoring Month in 2008, he served as a spokesperson.
- In 1995, he published his autobiography, “My American Journey,” as well as a book, “It Worked for Me: Life and Leadership Lessons” (2012).
Who was Colin Powell’s Wife? Who are his children?
Colin Powell was married, but only once. Alma Johson was his only wife, and he was married to her from 1962 to 2021. Alma is an audiologist from the United States who is the chair of America’s Promise and has written two children’s books, “America’s Promise” and “My Little Red Wagon.”
The couple had three children, a son and two daughters, and had been married for almost 58 years. His son, Michael Powell, is an American former Republican chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2001 to 2005, and his daughters, Annemarie Powell and Linda Powell, an actress, are his other children.
Colin Powell’s Height:
When Colin Powell died in his 80s, he was a cheerful man of average stature. He stood 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed about 70 kilograms (154 lbs). With bald hair and brown eyes, he had a brown complexion.
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Quick Facts About Colin Powell
Celebrated Name | Colin Powell |
---|---|
Age | 84 Years |
Nick Name | Colin |
Birth Name | Colin Luther Powell |
Birth Date | 1937-04-05 |
Gender | Male |
Profession | Politician |