First Black US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, Passes Away From Covid Complications at 84

Gen. Colin Powell, 84, has died from Covid-19 complications this morning.

From 1989 to 1993, Powell made history by becoming the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff—the highest military position in the Department of Defense.

During the mid-90s, he was considered a leading contender to become the first Black President of the United States.

On January 20, 2021, Powell became the highest-ranking Black public official in the country when he was sworn in as Bush’s secretary of state in 2001, despite never attempting a White House candidacy.

“I think it shows to the world what is possible in this country,” Powell said of his history-making nomination during his Senate confirmation hearing. “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.”

In a statement on Facebook his family said, “We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.”

According to the family, Powell was vaccinated and was receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Medical Center.