Skip to main content

Colin Powell Wins Image Award

Former secretary of state and retired Gen. Colin Powell received the President's Award at the 42nd annual NAACP Image Awards.

The prestigious award was presented by NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous in recognition of Powell's special achievements and distinguished public service.


"General Colin Powell has led an extraordinary life of public service," said Jealous in a statement. "As the first African American to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and later the first to serve as Secretary of State, General Powell holds a unique place in American history. He is a man of conscience and conviction, who uses his vast influence to promote education and self esteem to our country's youth. Although his position on the Iraq War was controversial, he was often the voice of reason in the prosecution of that war. He rose from humble roots as the son of Jamaican immigrants to become a distinguished military leader, a statesman, a humanitarian and a philanthropist. He is an inspiration to us all."

Gen. Powell became the 65th secretary of state on Jan. 20, 2001. He brought extensive experience with him to his office. Before becoming secretary of state, Colin Powell served as a key aide to the secretary of defense and as national security advisor to President Reagan. He also served 35 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of four-star general and serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989 – 1993).

He is currently a strategic limited partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm.  Powell is also helping to raise funds for both the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and for the construction of an education center for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Previous President's Award recipients include Van Jones, Muhammad Ali, Susan Taylor, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Ryan White, Bryant Gumbel, Alexis Herman, Venus and Serena Williams, Tavis Smiley, Tom Joyner, Condoleezza Rice, President Bill Clinton, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Ella Fitzgerald.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Story Behind Presidents' Day

Did you know Presidents' Day isn’t just about a day off?  Originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, it has since grown to celebrate all U.S. presidents who’ve shaped the country’s path. It’s a day to reflect on leadership, service, and the values that drive national progress. Presidents' Day dates back to 1879, when it was first recognized as a federal holiday for Washington. Later, Abraham Lincoln’s February birthday brought attention. By 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act combined the days, creating the long weekend many know today—but its purpose goes far deeper. From decisions that forged independence to policies steering modern challenges, U.S. presidents have helped shape history. It's a moment to appreciate lessons in courage, responsibility, and the impact of strong leadership on society today. How do you celebrate Presidents' Day?  Is it by learning about the leaders who influenced American history? Do you read their biographies, visit ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Government job loss under the Trump administration, since 2016. Are you at risk in 2025?

Under President Trump's first term in office, America experienced job declines. Data from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) suggests that the total number of federal employees decreased by approximately 1.3% from 2016 to 2020, resulting in a loss of approximately 18,000 government positions. This decline was achieved largely through attrition, as the administration emphasized not filling vacancies rather than implementing widespread layoffs.   Also: What about social security?  Trump has sad that he does not plan to change social security, however, one case shows how a senior experienced   difficulty getting their due benefits .  Job Losses in Government Agencies since 2016. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The EPA faced significant cuts under the Trump administration, with staffing levels dropping from approximately 15,000 employees in 2016 to about 14,000 by 2020 citing budget cuts and decreasing regulatory enforcement practices.  Department of Ed...
Post a Comment
Read more