Colin L. Powell
Colin L. Powell was born in 1937 in New York City. His parents had immigrated to the United States from Jamaica. After an education in New York public schools, and City College of New York, Powell entered the Army. He was a soldier for 35 years, and won many awards and honors in the military. He rose to the rank of 4-star General before ending his military career in 1993. Powell became U.S. Secretary of State in 2001. He was a member of the cabinet of President George W. Bush until his retirement in 2004. He was the first African American to serve in that position.