OXFORD — Growing up in the South Bronx area of New York City, Colin Powell was a child at-risk.

        At risk of being discriminated against because of his skin color, at risk because of poverty, at risk because of the same obstacles of drugs, violence and ignorance many young people face today.

        But besides his own internal desire to succeed, the boy who grew up to lead millions of military men and women and advise presidents said he succeeded because of the adults who looked out for him.

Retired Gen. Colin Powell, urged a group at Miami University to help children through volunteering. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        They were mentors he could go to and models he could admire.

        “(Children) need support to prevail over the enemies (drugs, violence, poverty, ignorance, despair),” he said Tuesday.

        Giving the inaugural speech Tuesday of Miami University's Jack R. Anderson Distinguished Lecture Series, Mr. Powell, a retired U.S. Army general, urged the 7,000 people in attendance at Millett Hall to make the world a better place through its children.

        As chairman of the America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth, he said he works to create alliances to benefit children.

        His program is designed to create safety through neighborhood clubs, after-school activities, mentoring and to promote healthy living, education and volunteerism.

        “We need to stop building jails in America and invest in our youngsters early,” he said.

        Gen. Powellserved as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993 under both President Bush and President Clinton.

        The lecture series was named after a 1947 alumnus who donated $1 million to Miami's business school.

        The series is designed to expose students and faculty to people and ideas that are affecting business and society.

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