Colin Powell

Colin Powell was born in New York City on April 5, 1937, the son of Jamaican immigrants, Luther and Maud Powell. Unknown at the time, this child would face many feats and conquer them, and although unexpected, as a young black boy, would grow up to be one of America's greatest military leaders and citizens.

Luther Powell emigrated from Jamaica in his early twenties on a banana boat. The second of nine children born to a poor family he left his family and a menial job like the millions before him to be something more and to give his children a better start then he had. After holding several jobs he found a job in Manhattan's garment district working in the stockroom working his way up to become foreman of the shipping department.

Maud McKoy Powell was the eldest of nine children, came from a slightly elevated social station in Jamaica, and had a high school education. Maud's mother Gram McKoy left Jamaica in search of work first in Panama, then Cuba, before coming to the United States. Once settled she sent for Maud the two of them worked as maids and as garment-district pieceworkers so they could send money to Jamaica for the other children. In order to earn a few extra dollars Gram also took in relatives and other Jamaican immigrants as borders, one of whom was Luther Powell.

Colin Powell grew up largely at 952 Kelly Street in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. It was not a white picket fence neighborhood, but he enjoyed a secure childhood, looked after by a closely knit family and a multi-ethnic community. Colin is described as happy-go-lucky kid, average, amenable, amialble and aimless. It was hard for him to get motivated every day in school. But his parents insisted that he do his homework every day and that he do his very best in school every day. Education in his family was seen as an escape hatch, the way up and out of the tenements for West Indians. Colin Powell graduated from Morris High School in 1954 and went on to receive his Bachelors in geology from the City College of New York. He was mediocre as a student, but he excelled in the college's Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC), leading the precision drill team and attaining the top rank offered by the corps--cadet colonel. His achievements in the ROTC won him a commission as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Powell served two tours of duty in Vietnam, and was a battalion commander in several military theaters at home and abroad. In October of 1989 he became the 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serving under both President George H.W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. After 35 years of service to his country he retired from the United States Army in 1993. Colin Powell dedicated his life to the service his country. As a soldier, Powell demonstrated a commitment to protecting his country and fighting abroad in the hopes of promoting democratic values so they ccould flourish. He has also dedicated himself to America's