Colin Powell was born on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York City. He was a four-star general in the US Army and the first African American to serve as Secretary of State. Powell rose through the ranks, becoming National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He played a key role in several military operations, including the Gulf War. Known for his leadership and diplomacy, Powell was awarded numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He passed away on October 18, 2021, leaving a lasting legacy in American politics and military history.