Colin Powell

Colin Luther Powell, (pronounced koh-lihn, born April 5, 1937) was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving from January 20, 2001 to January 26, 2005 under President George W. Bush. Nominated by Bush on December 16, 2000 and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate, Powell became the highest ranking African American government official in the history of the United States (now having been tied by his successor, Condoleezza Rice). As a general in the United States Army, Powell also served as National Security Advisor (1987–89) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93).

Personal background

Powell was born in New York City and was raised in the South Bronx. His parents, Luther Theophilus and Maud Ariel Powell, emigrated to the United States from Jamaica. Powell was educated in the New York City public schools, graduating from the City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a bachelor's degree in geology. He participated in ROTC and Pershing Rifles at CCNY and received a commission as a United States Army second lieutenant upon graduation in June 1958. He also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University.

Related Topics:
New York City - South Bronx - Jamaica - City College of New York - Geology - ROTC - Pershing Rifles - United States Army - 1958 - Master of Business Administration - George Washington University

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Powell is married to Alma Vivian Johnson Powell of Birmingham, Alabama. The Powell family includes son Michael (former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission); daughters Linda and Anne; daughter-in-law Jane; and grandsons Jeffrey and Bryan. Powell is also distantly related to Jamaican 100-meter sprinter Asafa Powell.

Related Topics:
Birmingham, Alabama - Michael - Federal Communications Commission - Asafa Powell

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President George W. Bush's nickname for Powell is Balloonfoot.

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