Its February 1993, a nervous young Private First Class (PFC) is preparing to present and post the colors for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He has posted and presented the colors numerous times before and this should no different than the other times. But the nerves, the importance of making sure everything is done correctly this time is paramount. The command "Forward, March" is given by the Color Guard Command Sergeant Major, the nerves almost keep the PFC from stepping forward but muscle memory takes over. Then the commands "Colors, Halt"; "Left, Face"; and "Present, Arms" are given and the PFC realizes he is face to face with the highest ranking officer in the Department of Defense. He sees General Colin Powell looking over the Color Guard and smiles.
Colin Powell had to overcome many obstacles and was able to overcome those obstacles through his actions. One of the obstacles he was able to overcome was equality and racism. He was born to immigrant parents in New York City. He grew up in the "ethnically mixed working-class section" of Manhattan and his "boyhood friendships reflected that ethnic mixture" and "may have contributed to his attitude toward to race".(Jacobs, Sep 2014, para 2) During his military career, he was able to prove himself through his actions that he was the right person for the job. His personality, demeanor, and logical sense allowed him to get or be appointed to positions of higher responsibility and ultimately take the position of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as "the youngest man and first African American to hold that position". ( Contemporary Black Biography, 2009) Colin Powell still is active with improving and helping underrepresented groups through programs in the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies. The Powell Center supports students that demonstrate interest in public policies.
Colin Powell was not an stellar student according to his father. Powell did not stand out scholastically but benefited from the...
