Born in Harlem, New York City on April 5th 1937 to Jamaican immigrants Luther and Maud Powell, Colin Powell was taught at a young age the importance of discipline and education by his parents. He had three siblings – including brother Luther Jr., sister Marilyn, and half-brother John — all of whom helped shape his life for the better with their own values anytime he encountered challenges or barriers.
Colin Powell’s parents, immigrant grandparents from Jamaica and his uncle Errol in Brooklyn had a lasting influence on him. His father was a shipping clerk while his mother worked as seamstress; Uncle Errol immigrated to the United States around 1910 with his family settling in Brooklyn. With such talented lineage, it’s no wonder that Powell has achieved great success throughout his political career!
After tying the knot in 1962, Colin Powell and Alma Vivian Johnson welcomed two children into their family—Michael, a retired US Army lieutenant colonel who served in the Iraq War; and Linda an author and entrepreneur. They have since become grandparents to five grandchildren: Stephanie, David Jr., Lauren, Meghan and Taylor.
The father-in-law of Colin Powell, Reverend Johnson was a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His mother-in-law, Lucille Johnson was an engaged church member as well as school teacher from New York City. They both originated from Jamaica and immigrated to America around 1910.
Colin Powell’s family tree is large and consists of his successful entrepreneurial nephew Gregory, who serves as the CEO for a software development company in NYC; Crystal, his accomplished niece who works as a nurse practitioner in New Jersey; plus brother-in-law David and two sons – Carlos and David Jr.
Colin Powell’s extended family encompasses a vast array of backgrounds and nationalities, including his great-nieces and nephews living in Jamaica, as well as cousins residing throughout the United States, Canada, and other Caribbean countries. Representing African American, Asian American, Native American ,and European roots – his diverse clan is an awe-inspiring illustration of how successful intercultural families can be.
The legacy of Colin Powell will remain for generations to come, inspiring those who have had the privilege of meeting him as well as his extended family. His story is an example that hard work and self-belief can bring success in life – a lesson which will shape future generations of his family tree. With such courage and determination, it’s no wonder why he has made such an indelible impression on so many people over the years.
Colin Powell’s incredible ascent to success showcases the might of perseverance, education and commitment to achieving one’s goals. His family has been made up of remarkable individuals who have all had an impressive impact in their own right. He serves as a shining example that with dedication anything is possible – he truly stands out as a beacon of inspiration for us all!
Early Life and Ancestry
Colin Powell’s early life and ancestry can be traced back to his parents, Luther Theophilus Powell Sr. and Maud Ariel McKoy Powell, both of whom were immigrants from Jamaica.
Cultural influences played a significant role in shaping Colin Powell’s upbringing. Growing up in a Jamaican immigrant household, he was exposed to the rich traditions and values of his parents’ homeland. These cultural influences instilled in him a strong work ethic, discipline, and a sense of pride in his heritage.
Additionally, Colin Powell’s childhood experiences further contributed to his character development. He faced challenges and hardships that taught him resilience, determination, and the importance of perseverance.
These formative years laid the foundation for his future success as a military leader and statesman, reflecting the impact of both cultural influences and personal experiences on his life trajectory.
Parents and Siblings
Growing up in a household filled with strong familial bonds, Colin Powell emerged from a lineage of parents and siblings who provided a solid foundation for his upbringing. His parents, Luther and Maud Powell, were Jamaican immigrants who instilled in him the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Powell’s father worked as a shipping clerk while his mother was a seamstress. Despite their modest background, they emphasized the importance of education to young Colin.
Colin Powell had two sisters named Marilyn and Sandra. Growing up together, they formed close relationships that would last throughout their lives. These early experiences taught Powell the value of family support and shaped his character.
The strong family ties that influenced Colin Powell’s formative years played an essential role in shaping his future accomplishments. As he embarked on his military career and later ventured into politics, these foundational principles instilled by his parents and reinforced by his siblings guided him towards success.
Children and Grandchildren
The legacy of strong familial bonds continues through the generations, as Colin Powell’s children and grandchildren carry forward the values instilled by their ancestors. Powell and his wife, Alma Vivian Johnson, raised three children: Michael, Linda, and Annemarie. They embraced parenting strategies that emphasized discipline, education, and ambition. Powell believed in setting high expectations for his children while providing them with guidance and support to achieve their goals.
The family also upheld various family traditions that fostered unity and a sense of identity. These traditions included regular family meals together, celebrating birthdays and holidays together, participating in community service activities as a family, and engaging in open communication to ensure everyone’s voices were heard.
By passing down these parenting strategies and family traditions to subsequent generations, the Powell family has maintained a tight-knit bond rooted in shared values and principles.
Related: Aragorn Family Tree
What is Colin Powell’s family tree?
Colin Powell’s multigenerational family consists of his parents, Luther and Maud Powell; siblings: Luther Jr., Marilyn, and John; grandparents Charles and Hermine Clothilde Powell; uncle Errol; wife Alma Vivian Johnson with their children Michael and Linda plus five grandchildren—Stephanie, David Jr., Lauren, Meghan, and Taylor. In addition to Reverend Johnson (father-in-law), Lucille Johnson (mother-in law) , nephew Gregory & niece Crystal – there is a brother in law too -David with sons Carlos & David Jr.; numerous cousins living across the United States, Canada or Caribbean regions as well as great nieces & nephews from Jamaica who are included in this extended clan.
Where did Colin Powell’s grandparents immigrate from?
The two individuals who were integral to Colin Powell’s ancestry, Charles and Hermine Clothilde Powell, both immigrated from Jamaica to the United States around 1910. Following in their footsteps, his father-in-law and mother-in-law also made a similar journey at that same time.
What is Colin Powell’s legacy?
The influence of Colin Powell’s extraordinary life continues to inspire future generations. His commitment to excellence serves as a motivating example for all, that dedication and hard work can open doors leading towards one’s wildest dreams. As his legacy is passed down through family members, the inspirational power of his story will live on forever as an enduring reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
FAQ:
Q: Who is Colin Powell?
A: Colin Powell is a former United States Secretary of State and a retired four-star general in the United States Army.
Q: When was Colin Powell born?
A: Colin Powell was born in New York City in 1937.
Q: What is Colin Powell’s full name?
A: Colin Powell’s full name is Colin Luther Powell.
Q: What are some of Colin Powell’s achievements?
A: Colin Powell was the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. He also served as the National Security Advisor from 1987 to 1989 and was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.
Q: What is the Powell Doctrine?
A: The Powell Doctrine is a military strategy that advocates using overwhelming force to achieve decisive victory in conflicts.
Q: Where was Colin Powell born?
A: Colin Powell was born in New York City.
Q: What did Colin Powell’s parents do?
A: Colin Powell’s parents immigrated from Jamaica.
Q: What are some of Colin Powell’s notable awards and decorations?
A: Colin Powell has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, among other awards and decorations.
Q: What positions did Colin Powell hold in the military?
A: Colin Powell rose through the ranks of the United States Army, eventually becoming a four-star general and serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Q: How did Colin Powell’s career in politics and public service progress?
A: After his military career, Colin Powell served as the National Security Advisor and later became the United States Secretary of State.

Throughout his career, Andras Kovacs has developed a deep understanding of DNA and its applications in genealogy and genetic testing. He has helped thousands of individuals uncover their ancestral heritage, using cutting-edge DNA analysis to trace family lineages and reveal connections across generations.