The nation’s first Black Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has passed away due to complications due to COVID-19. Powell’s family shared the news earlier today via Facebook.
“General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19,” the family wrote in statement obtained by CNN.
“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American.”
Powell played an integral role during both the Reagan administration and the first Bush administration. He served as a national security adviser to Ronald Reagan before becoming the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under former President George H.W. Bush.
Powell leaves behind three children and his wife, Alma. The family has not shared details regarding a memorial service for the former Secretary of State.
