Colin powell

Unlike many Black military men before him, Powell behaved just as the white leaders had: waging war when and where he was told to do so

Seven qualities of all inspiring leaders.

Leadership is solving problems. General Colin Powell

The green service uniform has finally been laid to rest after 61 years of approved wear.

"Our struggle will not be over until every American is able to find his or her own place in our society, limited only by his or her own ability and his or her own dream." In 1995, when retired General Colin Powell took himself out of the running for President of the United States, he was leading every candidate in every poll. At the time, his autobiography, My American Journey, was a national bestseller. Millions of Americans have been inspired by his life story, from his boyhood in the…

In 2003, he made the case for invading Iraq to halt its weapons programs. The analysts who provided the intelligence now say it was doubted inside the C.I.A. at the time.

Colin Powell, U.S. general and statesman who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–93) and secretary of state (2001–05), the first African American to hold either position. Learn more about his life, military service, and political career in this article.