Colin Powell’s Yiddish heart

As the eulogies for the former US Secretary of State were published, there is one story that rises above all others in its simple wisdom, like a Chasidic proverb

COLIN POWELL WAS a trailblazer; the first in so many, as Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) was irrelevant in his lifetime – he was a man of colour who had to work harder than others in order to get ahead. As the eulogies and features of his life played endlessly this week, there is one story that rises above all others in its simple wisdom, like a Chasidic proverb.

Growing up in the South Bronx, Powell worked for a Jewish family in a toy store during his breaks from school. His lexicon of Yiddishisms grew there, phrases he was known to use with his colleagues, both for valour and for derision, as the best of Yiddish phrases capture both. Eight years ago, Powell shared this moment with his alma mater on CUNY Television:

“I was working at a toy store for a Jewish family and a man named Jay Sickser. One day, he pulled me aside and said, “Coli – you are a good worker, I love having you in the store, you are a part of the family; but you can’t ever stay here. You have to get your education, you have a good family, you are smart, make sure you get your education and move on.”

FULL STORY Colin Powell and His Yiddish Heart (Jewish Journal)

Colin Powell’s early life was steeped in Jewish culture and Yiddish. It stayed with him (Forward)

Photo: US Secretary of State Colin Powell speaks during a news conference at the United Nations headquarters  September 2003 (AP/Mary Altaffer)