Powell's administration is remembered for economic growth, improvements to the municipal infrastructure, and reconciliation with the African-American community. In 1990, Powell formed an alliance with the African-American clergyman Roosevelt Wright of the New Tabernacle Baptist Church to establish the "African American Heritage Drama" presented each February during Black History Month. He was the first Monroe mayor to appoint blacks to important positions in municipal government, including public works director, prosecuting attorney, and chairman of the city Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
