Historical Marker Will Inspire Generations

This story, photo, and video are courtesy of  Fairfax County Government . 

Students, educators, community members, and friends and family of General Colin L. Powell came together on Saturday, June 14, at Colin Powell Elementary School in Centreville. They were gathered to unveil a new historical marker honoring General Powell’s legacy as an advocate for youth initiatives, trailblazing military leader, statesman, and longtime Fairfax County resident.

The dedication marks the fourth installation in the county’s  Black/African American Historical Marker Project . The new marker commemorates Powell’s extraordinary career as the first African American to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Secretary of State. It also honors his deep commitment to public service and youth mentorship. 

“The Colin Powell Elementary School community is honored to have the historical marker placed on our school grounds,” said Addison Smith, interim principal. “The marker will allow upcoming generations of students to learn about the tremendous impact Colin Powell has made on the world and inspire young students to truly embody his morals and love of learning.”

As a resident of Fairfax County for many years, Powell helped launch a volunteer mentorship program between St. John’s Episcopal Church in McLean and MacFarland Middle School in Washington, D.C. In 1997, he became the founding chair of America’s Promise Alliance, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping young people succeed.

The marker’s submission came from a 17-year-old Langley High School student and lifelong parishioner of St. John’s Episcopal Church, who remembered Powell as a kind and humble man who joyfully greeted parishioners. The student wrote that Powell deserved to be honored not only for his national service but also for the quiet, consistent way he showed up for his community.

The  Black/African American Historical Marker Project was created in 2021 to highlight historically significant people, places, and events that have shaped the Black experience in Fairfax County. It is a collaboration among the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Public Schools, the History Commission, the Department of Planning and Development and Neighborhood and Community Services. The project aims to ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive telling of the county’s history.