Kerry Washington has paid tribute to her cousin, former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Washington wrote a commemorative statement on Twitter about Powell’s legacy and effect on her life.
“Growing up, you were a phenomenal source of inspiration. Your accomplishments were tremendous,” she wrote, according to Black Enterprise. “Your spirit was gloriously generous. From my family, our family, from my neighborhood, our neighborhood. Your legacy will continue to live on, in all of us. Rest In Peace.”
Growing up, you were a phenomenal source of inspiration. Your accomplishments were tremendous. Your spirit was gloriously generous. From my family, our family, from my neighborhood, our neighborhood. Your legacy will continue to live on, in all of us. Rest In Peace #ColinPowell pic.twitter.com/TfVfBvJ2T4
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) October 19, 2021
The outlet also reported on former President Barack Obama‘s words about Powell after his death.
“He [Powell] understood what was best in this country, and tried to bring his own life, career, and public statements in line with that ideal,” he wrote in part in a statement. “It’s why, for all the battles he fought and problems he soled, Michelle [Obama] and I will always look to General Powell as an example of what America–and Americans–can and should be if we wish to remain the last, best hope of earth.”
Powell was a four-star general who became the first Black Secretary of State in 2001 under the Bush Administration. Before taking the position, he had served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993. Powell died Oct. 18 from complications from COVID-19 amid a battle with cancer.
