- link Copy Url - [ Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The National Diversity Council Honors the Legacy of General Colin Powell, the First Black U.S. Secretary of State https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/350226?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/350226?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/350226?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=The National Diversity Council Honors the Legacy of General Colin Powell, the First Black U.S. Secretary of State&body=ESG News from National Diversity Council https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/350226?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Events, Media & Communications](/CSR-News/events-media-communications) # The National Diversity Council Honors the Legacy of General Colin Powell, the First Black U.S. Secretary of State Oct 18, 2021 7:00 PM ET ![](/sites/default/files/videos/thumbnails/862186/thumbnail-862186_0000.png) ▶ Video HOUSTON, October 18, 2021 /3BL Media/ - The National Diversity Council (NDC) honors the legacy of General Colin Powell, the first Black United States (U.S.) Secretary of State, under the George W. Bush Administration (2001-2005), who passed away at the age of 84, on Monday, October 18, 2021. Powell served as a speaker on leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for over two decades for the Texas Diversity Council, National Diversity Council and the Diversity and Leadership Conference from 2007-2019. He also served as the youngest and first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , under the George H.W. Bush Administration and continued in this position under the Bill Clinton Administration (1989-1993). Powell also served under President Ronald Reagan, as the first Black U.S. National Security Advisor (1987-1989) and U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor (1986-1987). Powell served 35 years in the military and retired a four-star general in 1993 and his name was often mentioned in relation to presidential candidacy. He also endorsed 44th President Barack Obama for candidacy in the historic 2008 election, making Obama the first Black President of the United States of America. Obama also served as a speaker, alongside Powell during the National Diversity and Leadership Conference in April 2019. Angeles Valenciano, Chief Executive Officer and Dennis Kennedy, founder and Board chairman of the National Diversity Council recognizes Powell’s grit and determination to DEI that impacted many lives and touched the council. “We are forever grateful for General Colin Powell's steadfast dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion. It has been a gift to have him serve as a speaker, mentor and leader since the early days of the inception of the National Diversity Council,” said Angeles Valenciano and Dennis Kennedy. “As we grieve today, we are reminded that mentors make an everlasting imprint on our souls, continuing to guide us along the way. We will not dwell in sorrow too long, but rather appreciate the invaluable moments we had with him. We will move forward in honoring his legacy, our country and service for all.” The National Diversity Council sends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of General Colin Powell and commends the strides Powell made in ascending to the top ranks of leadership in U.S. government and his impact on the country and its constituents. **About The National Diversity Council** A non-profit organization committed to fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow in their knowledge of diversity. The council affords opportunities for organizations to share best practices and learn from top corporate leaders in the areas of diversity and inclusion. More information about the National Diversity Council is available at: [www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org](http://www.nationaldiversitycouncil.org/). **Media Contact:** Kamaria Monmouth Sr. Communications Specialist National Diversity Council Contact Number: 281-975-0626 [![National Diversity Council Logo](/sites/default/files/Clients/ndclogo.png)](/profiles/national-diversity-council) ### More from National Diversity Council ###### [The National Diversity Council Announces NDC Learning & Consulting Rebrand ](/news/national-diversity-council-announces-ndc-learning-consulting-rebrand) Aug 7, 2024 8:00 AM ET ###### [The National Diversity Council and Tri-State Diversity Council To Host 2024 National Asian American Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Leadership Summit](/news/national-diversity-council-and-tri-state-diversity-council-host-2024-national-asian-american) Apr 23, 2024 3:45 PM ET ###### [The Pennsylvania Diversity Council Announces Its 2024 Pittsburgh Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year Awardee](/news/pennsylvania-diversity-council-announces-its-2024-pittsburgh-women-leadership-symposium-woman) Mar 14, 2024 1:10 PM ET ###### [The Tri-State Diversity Council Announces Its 2024 New York Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year Awardee](/news/tri-state-diversity-council-announces-its-2024-new-york-women-leadership-symposium-woman-year) Feb 28, 2024 2:00 PM ET ###### [ The Tri-State Diversity Council Announces Its 2024 New Jersey Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year Awardee](/news/tri-state-diversity-council-announces-its-2024-new-jersey-women-leadership-symposium-woman) Feb 28, 2024 1:10 PM ET ###### [The Arizona Diversity Council Announces Its 2024 Women in Leadership Symposium Woman of the Year Awardee](/news/arizona-diversity-council-announces-its-2024-women-leadership-symposium-woman-year-awardee) Feb 27, 2024 1:20 PM ET ###### [The National Diversity Council Launches Its You Belong Here Campaign for Giving Tuesday ](/news/national-diversity-council-launches-its-you-belong-here-campaign-giving-tuesday) Nov 14, 2023 8:00 AM ET ###### [The National Diversity Council and Michigan Diversity Council Honor the 2023 National Black Men in Leadership Summit Awardees ](/news/national-diversity-council-and-michigan-diversity-council-honor-2023-national-black-men) Aug 10, 2023 9:50 AM ET