Colin Powell: Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dies at 84

Picture taken by People Magazine; People.com.

We honor Colin Powell for his monumental accomplishments in black history. On Monday, October 18, 2021, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staffs Colin Powell passed away. We Were Funky would like to take the time to relish on his achievements and the changes he made for the U.S.

Colin Powell began his service to the U.S. in 1963 as one of the advisors sent to South Vietnam under Kennedy’s Administration. Powell was awarded several medals for his courage, commitment, and dauntless acts of bravery as he toured Vietnam. Years later, Powell earned his MBA at George Washington University, in Washington, D.C. Immediately after, he won a White House Fellowship in 1972. Powell served both in the White House and on the battle grounds over the span of 2 decades. He served under the Reagan, Bush, Nixon, and Clinton administrations, to which he was already impacting history by being an African American man to make it into the White House. Colin Powell wanted to effect change and it started on the battle fields for him.

By 1987, Powell was appointed for national security adviser and held that position for the duration of Reagan’s run. Two years after, President George H. W. Bush appointed Powell as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, one of the most life-changing experiences for an African American man of his stature and highest military position in the Department of Defense. Powell had made it, not just for himself, but for everyone who looked like him and wanted to make a difference. He was observed as a national figure and created his own techniques and policies for military conflict. Colin Powell had shown great determination, strength, tenacity, and ambition for the things he wanted out of life, for his family, and for the sake of his country. Powell was an unbeatable force.

4 decades into his career, Colin Powell was appointed to Secretary of State by 2000. This was considered the highest rank in civilian government to be held by an African American man. Powell made his mark in history by accomplishing what many thought to be impossible at that time.

Powell earned every seat that was placed at the table for him; In fact, he brought his own table, shaping national security for the United States and giving black excellence every step of the way.

“Rest In Paradise, General Colin. Your powerful determination and courage will live on in the legacy of your family and those impacted by your remarkable ambition.” - WWF