Former US secretary of state Colin Powell remembered by those who knew him

In the end, Colin Powell was a man who slowly evolved over his 84 years on earth.\n\nHe was a Black Republican who ultimately left the Republican Party.\n\nHe supported the Iraq War but later came to regret it.\n\nAnd he once opposed gays in the military but later endorsed the idea.

— Keith Boykin (@Keith Boykin) 1634561128

And for those who don\u2019t know or remember him, General Colin Powell was, perhaps, the most respected Black person in American politics in the 1990s.\n\nHe was widely expected to be the first Black president, and his decision not to run was front-page news.\n\nhttps://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/09/us/powell-decision-announcement-powell-rules-96-race-cites-concerns-for-family-his.html\u00a0\u2026pic.twitter.com/m0yYgLrMbf

— Keith Boykin (@Keith Boykin) 1634561959

My deepest condolences to the entire Powell family on the passing of Colin Powell. A great American whose selflessness marked his military and diplomatic service to this country in so many ways. It was a great honor and privilege to know and work for him.

— Aaron David Miller (@Aaron David Miller) 1634560969

Statement from former President George W. Bush on the passing of Sec. Colin Powellpic.twitter.com/ilPWTvlA1L

— Geoff Bennett (@Geoff Bennett) 1634560704

On a personal note, he was always kind, generous with his time and insights and a great example to me of what is best about Washington. He was a good man, a mensch. He will be deeply missed.

— David Rothkopf (@David Rothkopf) 1634559835

Colin Powell was the North Star to a generation of senior American military officers including me. First call I made for advice as NATO commander was to him. Godspeed and open water to a General for the ages.

— stavridisj (@stavridisj) 1634561160