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Colin Luther PowellAmerican statesman and former general in the United States Armed Forces
Date of Birth: 05.04.1937
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Secretary of State
- Retirement and Public Criticism
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Colin Luther Powell was born on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York City, to Jamaican immigrants Maud Ariel McKoy and Luther Theophilus Powell. He grew up in the South Bronx and attended Morris High School, where he graduated in 1954.
Powell later attended the City College of New York, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in geology in 1958. He subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from The George Washington University.
Military Career
After graduating from college, Powell joined the army as a second lieutenant, beginning his 35-year professional military career. He served in various command and staff assignments, rising to the rank of general.
From 1962 to 1963, Powell served as an advisor during the Vietnam War. He later served as National Security Advisor under President Ronald Reagan and was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush, a position he held during the Gulf War.
Secretary of State
Powell served as the 65th Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American to hold the position. As Secretary of State, Powell was instrumental in building an international coalition for the post-war reconstruction of Iraq.
Retirement and Public Criticism
After leaving his role as Secretary of State, Powell returned to private life. In September 2005, he criticized the response to Hurricane Katrina, claiming that thousands were left unprotected not because they were poor but because they were black.
In 2006, Powell openly criticized the Bush administration on various issues while speaking at a series of "Get Motivated" events. After Barack Obama's election as president in 2008, Powell was mentioned as a possible cabinet appointee.
Personal Life
Colin Powell married Alma Johnson on August 25, 1962. They have one son, Michael Powell, who served as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission from 2001 to 2005. Powell enjoys restoring classic Volvo and Saab models as a hobby.
