The first time I saw General Colin Powell standing at the side of President Ronald Reagan in his role as National Security Advisor at the White House, I felt as tall and proud as the four-star General looked. I saw myself reflected in his example. It was profound to see that hard work and perseverance had paid off so remarkably for someone who looked like me, and it helped fuel my fire.
I became inspired by General Powell’s story as a soldier, diplomat, and statesman. I was inspired also by his ascent from humble beginnings as the son of immigrant Jamaican parents with a public education and degree from New York City College. Intuitively, I knew there was a lot I could learn from Colin Powell, if even from afar. Over the years, I would follow his career closely, remaining inspired by his leadership, which culminated with his trailblazing role as the first black Secretary of State.
As an Air Force veteran, I was impressed, of course, by General Powell’s military ascensions and as I studied him more, I learned his servant approach to leadership appeared foundational to his success. It was a formula I wanted to model, and I was gripped when Colin Powell plainly laid out his leadership story in his 1995 memoir entitled My American Journey.
There is much we all can learn from General Powell’s leadership principles as we embark upon our work in the fight for educational equity and improved outcomes for all students. I attempt to embody Colin Powell’s 13 Rules for Success and Leadership daily. Some days I do well and other days I fall short. I know, however, that as long as I keep reaching for those heights, my trajectory and my work is rooted in excellence.
As I read the words General Powell’s family has shared with the world since his death, I am reminded of Colin Powell the man. He was of strong character, integrity, and loyalty – if even to his detriment. When the Secretary of State found himself misled by bureaucratic rivals to the point where he would unknowingly falsely declare that weapons of mass destruction were held by Iraq and Saddam Hussein, for example, he continued to “go high” never uttering a disparaging word against his colleagues in government.
It takes a giant of a man to stand tall and proud under such circumstances and General Powell was that man. The character he displayed served up another lesson for me along my leadership journey. One of the greatest honors of my life was to meet him personally as we exchanged words in the Green Room of a Boston-based event. I shook his hand and stood next to him, as he did next to Reagan. In that moment, I felt as tall and proud as he looked on that day in 1987. My pride was rooted in all that he achieved and in my recognition of his standard of excellence so many years ago.
His death at the hands of COVID-19 is tragic. But I will remember Colin Powell for the unforgettable life he lived and the blueprint for excellence he leaves behind. Rest in Peace, Mr. Secretary. You blazed a trail, and your legacy will live forever as an inspiration to me and to those who come after us both.