President's Day: A Black President in the Making
During Black History Month we examine influential African-Americans in politics
Significant African-American Politicians Break Down Racial Barriers
In 1989, General Colin Powell was nominated by President George H.W. Bush as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, becoming the first African-American to attain the highest military ranking in the U.S. Armed Forces. Powell, the 12th chairman of the JCS, is pictured here. From left to right, Marine Gen. Alfred M. Gray; Army Gen. Carl Edward Vuono; Navy Adm. Carlisle A.H. Trost; Air Force Gen. Larry D. Welch; and Air Force Gen. Robert T. Herres. In 2001, he was appointed secretary of state, again becoming the first African-American to hold such a post. (Robert D. Ward/U.S. Department of Defense/AP Photo)
