CCNY Students and Faculty Remember General Colin Powell

Words by Maricela Niola

Edited by Sarah Logan

Image Courtesy of ccny.cuny.edu

Danielle Kanyinda, a senior economics major, learned that General Colin Powell was an alumnus of CCNY when she was doing research about the college’s history. He was the son of Jamaican parents, which resonated with Kanyinda, who was also raised by immigrant parents. “Colin Powell was an amazing man who showed everyday students that anyone can make it if they are hard workers,” Kanyinda says. “He embodies the example that it does not matter where you come from, it matters where you end.”

Like Kanyinda, CCNY students and faculty mourned General Powell, who died on October 18 at the age of 84 due to Covid-19 complications. Born and raised in New York City, he graduated from CCNY in 1958. He later served in the army after college, eventually becoming a four-star general. In 2001, he became the first African American to be named U.S. Secretary of State.

General Powell gave back to the college he attended and helped the CCNY students who he felt were once him. In 2013, City College formally established the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. Shortly before his death, General Powell and his daughter, Linda, engaged in a conversation for the campus community.

Students at CCNY remain inspired by the life and career of General Powell. “Knowing that an influential figure like him was a City College alumnus makes me feel motivated that it is possible to achieve many things and be successful by attending City College,” says Pitcha Sudjaritjuntorn, a senior at City College who majors in psychology.

General Powell’s death was announced not only through City College’s email and the school’s website, but also through mainstream and social media sources. “I found out about his death from a source on social media,” Samira Weinstein says.

He has mixed feelings about his legacy. “I don’t draw a lot of inspiration from military personnel, or politicians,” he admits. “Undoubtedly, his story is inspiring for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color children of immigrants. His outspoken concern for civil justice and a strong sense of community are absolutely important.”

Andrew Rich, the Dean of Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership, says he is heartbroken by General Powell’s death. “No words seem adequate at this moment,” said Dean Rich in a statement. “This school is his. He was our leader and our friend. His pride in this place gave all of us strength. General Powell will be remembered as a man of extraordinary accomplishment: a trailblazer, a role model, and an inspiration. And he was a proud son of City College, a person from humble origins who never forgot where he started.”

General Powell will continue to inspire students at City College and be remembered by many at City College as someone to look up to. Says on the banner at the entrance of Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership: “Walk through these doors and change the world.”