The loss of Harlem-born General Colin Powell was felt by elected leaders across the city on Monday with all recognizing his service in the military and the first black Secretary of State.
For Mayor Bill de Blasio, the general’s upbringing was regarded as an exquisite example of what a New York City success story looks, giving a tip of the hat to Powell’s birth to immigrant parents and his ultimate rise to the world’s stage as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and National Security Advisor.