NCBW Mourns the Passing of Former Secretary of State Colin Powell
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For Further Information Contact: Alfreda Stukes
nationalexecutiveadmin@nc100bw.org
Primary: 404-390-3982
NCBW Mourns the Passing of Former Secretary of State Colin Powell
A patriot devoted to his country
October 18, 2021, Atlanta, GA – We have lost a remarkable leader, who inspired and was admired by the world. The first Black Secretary of State and youngest and first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was a pillar of strength and commitment.
Powell’s death, which is said to have been caused by complications from COVID-19, is a sober reminder of our pandemic reality and the catastrophic effect it has had across the country—and world.
When Powell first entered the Army, he spent time in Georgia at Fort Benning, just after segregation ended. The army base is not far from our Atlanta-based organization. 50-years later, in an interview, Powell said, “We’ve come an extremely long way during my life, but the struggle for black Americans is not over. The problems now are economic, educational and housing inequalities.”
NCBW understands those problems. We advocate on initiatives in the areas of Education, Economic Empowerment, Health and Gender Equity for Black women and girls. Our national and local programs work to close the gross disparity gaps that Powell focused on.
The highly respected leader’s deep commitment to democratic values, diversity, and leadership development were impactful. As the founder of the City College of New York Colin L. Powell Center for Leadership and Service, which then became the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, Powell wanted to make certain there was an equal commitment to developing leadership opportunities to ensure a continuing pipeline of Black women leaders in every facet of civil society. Part of our organization’s leadership development initiative is to build strategic alliances with core leadership and public service programs like Powell’s school.
Powell’s legacy will live on through his exceptional accomplishments and efforts to give back to the younger generations
“The country lost one of its greatest leaders and statesman. Colin Powell was such a significant figure, not only for the country but for Black Americans. An amazing quintessential story about a distinguished trailblazer. Powell was a Republican, but he was also a bi-partisan public servant, who rose above party politics to endorse President Barack Obama because he thought it was for the best interest of the country. He was a national treasure and will be remembered for many things,” said NCBW National President Elizabeth A. Jones.
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The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated is a 40-year-old advocacy organization whose vision is that black women and girls will live in a world where socio-economic inequity does not exist. Thus, we advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment. As a voice for millions of black women and girls in the United States, the Coalition believes in inclusion, respect, racial and social justice, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. For more information, visit the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. at www.ncbw.org.
