General Colin Powell was a highly respected American statesman and four-star general. Born on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York, to Jamaican immigrant parents, he rose through the ranks of the U.S. Army to become the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993). He played key roles in the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and U.S. military operations worldwide. Later, he served as the 65th U.S. Secretary of State (2001–2005) under President George W. Bush, becoming the first African American to hold that position. Known for his leadership, integrity, and pragmatism, Powell left a lasting legacy in both military and diplomatic spheres. He passed away on October 18, 2021.