Colin Powell Dies at Age 84

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell passed away on Monday at the age of 84 from complications connected to Covid-19. He was the first African-American secretary of state, as well as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. When he was sworn in as Bush’s Secretary of State in 2001, he was the highest ranking black official to date. Powell suffered Parkinson’s disease and multiple myeloma, a malignancy of plasma cells that inhibits the immune system.  Doctors testify that the untimely death highlights the importance of vaccination, specifically in order to protect cancer patients and other susceptible individuals. These people are uniquely at risk because they’re immune systems may not be equipped to fight the virus even after being properly vaccinated. 

During a ceremony at the White House commemorating the 2020 and 2021 National Teacher of the Year, President Biden commented on Colin Powell’s passing, calling him a personal friend, a patriot, and a huge supporter of academic achievement.

President Biden said of the trailblazing political figure: “Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity. From his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nation’s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else — in uniform and out — and it earned him the universal respect of the American people”

Colin Powell was an inspiration and a role model who used his platform to help those in need. He was best known for being the first black secretary of state and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Colin Powel will be remembered through the good he did for his country, but also as an important example of why people must get vaccinated. 

Cite: https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/colin-powell-dies-10-18-21/index.html