One prominent figure in Black history who served as U.S. Secretary of State is Colin Powell. He was the first African American to hold the position, serving from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush. Powell had a distinguished military career before entering politics, rising to the rank of four-star General in the U.S. Army and serving as National Security Advisor under President Ronald Reagan and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He was known for his pragmatic and diplomatic approach to foreign policy issues during his time as Secretary of State. Powell's legacy as a trailblazer and statesman in American history is widely recognized.