Colin Powell, Trailblazing Black Statesman and Soldier Dies of Covid-19 Complications

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell speaks by video
feed during the virtual 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Colin Powell, a son of Jamaican immigrants and Vietnam war veteran who rose through the ranks of the US military to become a four-star general, the first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and later served as the first Black Secretary of State — has died of complications caused by Covid-19.

Powell, whose family announced his passing on his official Facebook page Morning, was 84.

"General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19," read the statement from the family, which also noted that he was fully vaccinated. "We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American."

Former President George W. Bush appointed Powell to serve as his first secretary of State in 2000 issued a statement following the news saying that he and his wife Laura are" deeply saddened" by the death.

"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his time as a soldier during Vietnam." - President George W. Bush

Read the full statement: https://t.co/kSlMbGelOm

— George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) October 18, 2021

A New York native, Powell was born in Harlem and grew up in the South Bronx before attending the metropolis' City College where he joined the Army through ROTC. He left the school with a bachelor's degree in geology and a commission as a second lieutenant in the recently desegregated Army.

During his 35-year military career, Powell served two combat tours in Vietnam — earning military honors for both — was national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan helping negotiate an end to the Cold War and encourage cooperation between the Soviet Union and the United States. As chairman of the Joint Chiefs, he was thrust into public view when he spearheaded the invasion of Panama. But it was his steady hand and resolute demeanor that made him a national hero following his handling of the 1991 war in the Persian Gulf.

Powell's popularity peaked in the mid-90s with the publication of his memoir “My American Journey,” in 1995. The best-seller was a phenomenon, dragging the General to new heights of popularity and many pundits began to call for a presidential run for the Republican.
Eventually, Powell who wrote of his political leanings in the book, "Some people have rushed to hang a Republican label around my neck. I am not, however, knee-jerk anti-government. I was born a New Deal, Depression-era kid. Franklin Roosevelt was a hero in my boyhood home,″ announced he would not run but hoped to help broaden the appeal of the party of which he counted himself a member.

Following a short stint in retirement, it was Powell's 2001 return to public life as secretary of state for President George W. Bush, that eventually put some tarnish in the eyes of some on what had been a sterling legacy as a soldier and statesman.

His now-infamous February 2003 speech to the United Nations Security Council about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq was the rallying point for the nation to go to war. The evidence was later proved to be false and the conflicts that resulted from the actions taken then still afflict the world today.

In 2005 Powell told ABC News’ Barbara Walters that his speech to the United Nations was “painful” for him personally and would forever be a “blot” on his record. “I am the one who presented it to the world on behalf of the United States,” said Mr. Powell, acknowledging that his presentation “will always remain a part of my record."

In later years Powell moved away from the Republican party. He endorsed then-Senator Barack Obama during his 2008 run for president. He also said he would vote for Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in leaked emails that were confirmed to be authentic when the former businessman was preparing to enter the race.

“Trump is a national disgrace and an international pariah,” wrote Powell, who abhorred Trump's constant implications that President Obama was not a United States citizen. Another email summed up his thoughts on the matter entirely, “Yup, the whole birther movement was racist,” he said.

Powell is survived by his wife Alma, and children Linda, Annemarie and Michael.

Stars, Fans and Friends Post Tributes Following Reports of Emani 22's Death at 22

 

Instagram @Lonebrain

Family, fans and her fellow musicians are mourning the death of up-and-coming R&B singer Emani 22, at the age of 22, earlier this week after record producer J Maine confirmed the singer's death in a statement to PEOPLE today.

"Emani 22 was a wonderful individual that literally brightened up any room she was in," he said. "I worked on music with her, and helped her put together her last project which was 'The Color Red.' The way we worked together was effortless, we just understood each other," he continued. "It hurts so bad to know that the last time I saw her was the last time I'd ever see her again."

Thank you my baby for your light. You are forever in our hearts. Daddy loves you so much. Rest In Power my girl-baby. Love you forever #Emani22 pic.twitter.com/mNUAe0Yayn

— Darryl Johnson (@Jbizzy32) October 13, 2021

No official cause has been released for the singer's, born Emani Johnson, death. According, however, to reporting by The Sun she may have been involved in a hit and run accident over the weekend.

Perhaps best known for her collaborations with Trippie Redd on “A Love Letter to You”, "Emani's Interlude" and "Fire Starter," Emani released “The Color Red EP” in 2020 to moderate streaming success.

Fellow artists and friend, rapper Bhad Bhabie posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to her departed friend writing, "I don’t even know what to say...This doesn’t even feel real. I used to spend almost everyday with you," she wrote. "You taught me so many things. You are my inspiration for many things (hair,nails, style, etc) my big sister. I’m gonna miss you so much."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ℬ𝒽𝒶𝒷𝒾ℯ🦋 (@bhadbhabie)

Smokey Robinson Opens Up About Previously Undisclosed Battle With Covid-19

By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

He might be known for making miracles, but R&B legend Smokey Robinson isn’t taking his recovery from Covid-19 for granted.

The 81-year-old, who was founder and frontman for famed Motown music group the Miracles before going on to a successful solo career that saw him inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, recently opened up to the Daily Mail about his private battle with the virus last December.

"I am a COVID survivor. I got it severely and I was hospitalized for 11 days, and four or five of those I do not even remember," he told the publication. "It was really touch and go, and a terribly debilitating ailment."

In addition to physically exhausting Robinson, who said the seriousness of his condition didn’t really hit him until it was over, the bout with the virus had the singer fearing the worse for his famous honey-throated, tenor voice.

"'I was not sure that I would ever be able to sing again because it took my voice. I could barely even talk," he said. "Even when I got home, I was hoarse. I could not try to sing because I was afraid. It was one of the most frightening fights I have ever had."

Luckily, Robinson was fully vaccinated and had been taking care of himself. The singer said doctors told him he got off lightly, “They told me that it was lucky for me especially at my age that I'd taken care of myself; but for the grace of God and that fact I probably would not be here talking right now.”

Robinson, who has since performed three full-blown concerts after starting out with short private shows to exercise his vocal cords, estimates he is 95 percent now and will continue to sing for as long as he can. 

"I had to work on my vocal cords and get myself back together. I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life, and it was possible, so I did it," he said. "I love my job… It's what keeps me going."