"I offer prayers for peace and comfort to the family and friends of former Secretary Colin Powell today. His passing from COVID-19 after a long battle with cancer is a sobering reminder of the state of this pandemic and the strength of this virus.
"Colin Powell, a first-generation native New Yorker and CUNY graduate of Caribbean heritage, is a prominent figure with a complicated legacy. He had a record many throughout the political spectrum – including myself – would find fault in, particularly his role in supporting very harmful foreign policy. At the same time, he was a role model for many across that same spectrum, and the importance of seeing a Black man at the highest levels of our government in that time cannot be understated. He was committed to his country, community, and public service – before, during, and after his time in government.
"The symbol and story of Colin Powell, the impact of his career, are all a part of the legacy we remember and the person we memorialize today."