Remembering General Colin Powell, His Impact, and His Visit to Fort Wayne

By Quinton L. Ellis
Special to Ink Spot

Monday, October 18, began much like any other day. I rose between 5 and 6 am and started with the news. These days I migrate between "Morning Joe" on MSNBC and "Bloomberg Surveillance", an economic-focused broadcast network.

After getting dressed, grinding my beans, I proceeded out the door with cup in hand. As I pulled out of my sub-division, I, like many Americans, was blindsided by the special news bulletin on Bloomberg and other networks announcing the death of Colin Powell. I was in utter shock, and my eyes immediately filled with tears. America had lost a giant. One of its greatest citizens.

I had barely heard of General Powell before his elevation to Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff by President George H.W. Bush. I knew that he had been President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Advisor, an impressive accomplishment. However, I began to pay keen attention to him after the Joint Chiefs appointment. Not only were his accomplishments inspiring, but his life's journey spoke to me. He, like most African Americans, was from humble origins. His parents, Jamaican immigrants, were typical Harlem, working-class people. I encourage everyone to read his book, "My American Journey".

I heard General Powell speak at the Memorial Coliseum in 1998. It was then I truly got a view of the man behind that bigger-than-life stature. I learned that he was a devout Christian, a loving husband and father, and a man who truly loved his country and its people. Although a Republican and a strong adherent to the beliefs of yesteryear's GOP, he understood that he rose not only based upon his merit but because of those policies encouraging society to give people like him a chance. He was not interested in pulling the ladder up behind him. He wanted it in place for those who followed. He didn't believe the government had a place in the room when a woman was faced with the decision of whether to have a child. He felt that abortion was "a matter between a woman, her doctor, and her God."

One of Colin Powell's favorite quotes was from Abraham Lincoln: "It is in order that each of you may have through this free government which we have enjoyed, an open field and a fair chance for your industry, enterprise and intelligence; that you may all have equal privileges in the race of life, with all its desirable human aspirations."

America will miss the example of not only Colin Powell, the military genius, statesman, and diplomat, but also Colin Powell, the man. He is an example of integrity, hard work, the pursuit of knowledge, love of country, and your fellow man. These are the things that I came to most admire and love in brother Colin Powell and why I end this with tearful eyes, as when I heard the news of his passing. May he rest in The Eternal Light.

Quinton L. Ellis is a long-time criminal defense and personal injury attorney, as well as a real estate investor. He lives in Fort Wayne.