Speaker Carl Heastie, Representative Jamaal Bowman, Senator Jamaal Bailey and Council Member Kevin Riley Statement on the Passing of General Colin Powell

Today we join the country in mourning the loss of General Colin Powell, a great man and an extraordinary leader.

Born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx by Jamaican parents, General Powell helped blaze a trail for men and women of color at the highest levels of government. He became the first African American to serve as national security advisor, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state. During his time in public service, he was a highly esteemed public servant and trusted advisor.