Colin Powell was always a political opportunist. That is why he worked in every Republican Administration going back as far as NIXON. He more than any other African American posing as a Republican has benefited from Affirmative Action.
Clarence Thomas and Condolessa Rice may have also benefited from Affirmative Action but they also had an acquired talent with firm beliefs which developed over time based on principle and integrity. Powell went along for the ride until the train stopped.