The former Addicks defender was named the club's 20th permanent boss on Friday and officially took charge at training on Monday morning.
Speaking to the club's official website, Powell said: "This is a seminal moment for me, and hopefully I can inspire other black players to become managers.
"In the 80s you had Cyrille Regis, Luther Blissett and John Barnes. Those sort of players inspired me - I thought `if they can do it, so can I'.
"It has to happen now; more black players getting into a job and making their mark.
"They'll be there on merit, but people will look at them as role models."
Source: PA
Source: PA