Remembering a "Problem Solver"Secretary Colin L. PowellBamidele Agbasegbe Demerson Chief Curator The United States of America recently lost a giant, Colin Luther Powell (5 April 1937-18 October 2021). Over the course of his life, this son of Jamaican immigrants, proved to be a pathbreaker who scaled heights as he rose through the ranks of U.S. military service to become a four-star general. Along the way, Powell garnered numerous U.S. medals and ribbons for meritorious service, and as well, decorations from foreign governments, evincing his actions on the world’s stage. Moreover, it is important to note, he also gained distinction as the recipient of numerous awards for a stellar record of public service. Powell, however, will be remembered as a consummate statesman and diplomat. As a member of the President’s cabinet, he shouldered responsibilities as the sixty-fifth Secretary of State (2001-2005), the first Black American in that role. Prior to that he filled posts as the twelfth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989-1993) and the sixteenth United States National Security Advisor (1987-1989). When speaking of himself in the third person, this distinguished trailblazer said: “Powell is a problem solver. He was taught as a soldier to solve problems. So he has views, but he’s not an ideologue. He has passion, but he’s not a fanatic. He’s first and foremost a problem-solver.” The world is fortunate to have the sagacious words detailing the discerning wisdom and perceptive insights of this “problem-solver.” We must not forget that Colin L. Powell was a writer. We are enriched by the enduring legacy he leaves us—a roster that includes the following titles. - My American Journey with Joseph E. Persico (New York: Penguin/Random House, 1995), reveals dimensions of his early life as the son of immigrants in New York to his career in the Army. He expresses love for country and family with the characteristic forthrightness of a soldier.
- A Soldier’s Way: An Autobiography with Joseph E. Persico (New York: Random House, 1995), details the life a soldier, and general, who emerged to serve Presidents in both Republican and Democratic administrations in Washington, D.C.
- It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership with Tony Koltz (New York: Harper Perennial, 2012), imparts lessons learned that shaped life choices and career decisions from childhood on to military training and throughout his work with four U.S. presidents.
- In His Own Words: Colin Powell edited and collected by Lisa Shaw (New York: Berkley Publishing Group, 1995), selects quotations from speeches and interviews, that reveals with candor views on everyday life in the United States, to sociopolitical issues, to a focus on international conflicts.
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