Written By: Alexandria J. Maloney
On a crisp spring morning, members of the Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA), alumni of the Colin Powell Leadership Institute, and former colleagues gathered to pay tribute to one of America’s most enduring statesmen—General Colin L. Powell. The wreath-laying ceremony, held at Arlington National Cemetery on April 5th, carried special significance: it marked what would have been General Powell’s 87th birthday.
Dressed in shades of purple—a tribute to the uniform worn by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position Powell held with distinction—attendees stood united in remembrance and reflection. Among those present were individuals who had once served under Powell’s leadership, offering personal witness to the values he championed throughout his storied career.
General Powell was a man of many firsts: the first African American to serve as Secretary of State and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His legacy is not only etched into the annals of history but also lives on in the hearts of those he mentored and inspired. From the battlefields to the Situation Room, he led with clarity, courage, and compassion.
More than a soldier or statesman, Powell was a fierce advocate for balance—especially between professional demands and personal life. He frequently spoke about the importance of family, rest, and reflection, encouraging young professionals not to let ambition eclipse the joys of life. In his own words: “Don’t let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it.” His legacy is as much about wisdom as it is about strategy.
As part of the tribute, a moving poem titled “Legacy in Motion” was read aloud by Jacqueline Jax Shelton, followed by reflections on Powell’s lasting impact from both the BPIA President, Alexandria Maloney, and members of the Powell Institute. “Today, we lay this wreath not just in remembrance, but in promise,” said Maloney. “To lead with honor, to serve with purpose, and to pass on the torch as he did so powerfully.”
A notable tradition observed during the ceremony was the placing of coins atop General Powell’s headstone—an act rich with military meaning. Each coin signifies a personal visit and a gesture of respect: a penny shows you visited, a nickel denotes training together, a dime means serving in the same unit, and a quarter means you were there when the person passed. For many, it was a humble but powerful symbol of connection to a man who meant so much to so many.
From the wreath laid in solemn silence to the purple hues worn in unity, the ceremony captured the profound depth of Powell’s influence—not only on American foreign policy but on generations of global Black leaders now carrying his legacy forward.
As the ceremony closed, the words echoed by those in attendance offered more than commemoration—they offered recommitment: to lead as Powell led, with dignity, diplomacy, and a steadfast devotion to service.
