Origins & Early Life

Colin Luther Powell ( KOH-lin POW-əl; (1937-04-05)April 5, 1937 – (2021-10-18)October 18, 2021) was an American U.S. Army general, diplomat, and statesman who served as the 65th United States secretary of state from 2001 to 2005, being the first Black American to hold the office, and was the highest-ranking Black American in the federal executive branch in American history (along with his successor Condoleezza Rice) until the election of Barack Obama as president in 2008. Initially politically independent, Powell joined the Republican Party in 1995, but left it in 2021 following the January 6 United States Capitol attack. He was the 15th national security advisor from 1987 to 1989, and the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Powell was born in New York City in 1937 to parents who emigrated from Jamaica. He was raised in the South Bronx and educated in the New York City public schools, earning a bachelor's degree in geology from the City College of New York. He joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps while at City College and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on graduating in 1958. He was a professional soldier for 35 years, holding many command and...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alain Badiou — Contemporary (Born in 1937) (1937): Influential French philosopher known for 'Being and Event' and universalism.
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• Anthony Hopkins — Contemporary (Born in 1937) (1937): Esteemed Welsh actor celebrated for powerful stage and screen performances.
• Albert Bandura — Contemporary (Died in 2021) (2021): Pioneering psychologist known for Social Cognitive Theory and self-efficacy.
• Antony Hewish — Contemporary (Died in 2021) (2021): Pioneering radio astronomer, celebrated for the discovery of pulsars.
• Beverly Cleary — Contemporary (Died in 2021) (2021): Pioneering author of children's literature, celebrated for emotional realism in middle-class narratives.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Shared historical date (04-05 · Died) (1948): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Albert R. Broccoli — Shared historical date (04-05 · Born) (1909): Pioneering American film producer, best known for developing the James Bond franchise.
• Canaletto — Shared historical date (10-18 · Born) (1697): Master Vedutista: Celebrated painter of Venetian and Roman cityscapes.
• Charles Babbage — Shared historical date (10-18 · Died) (1871): Pioneering polymath credited with originating the concept of the digital programmable computer.
• 1937 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1937
• April 5 (04-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 5
• 2021 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2021
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