General Larry Platt

American Idol has always been “all the rage” showcasing some of the most talented and memorable artist. Some “artists” are not remembered for their outstanding vocal performances but how much they make us laugh with their foolery. For example, William Hung’s “She Bangs” audition and most recently General Larry Platt’s “Pants on the Ground”(he is on the Far Left in Black and White and this is him many years later on American Idol).

Similar to America’s approach to many things in the African American community, they highlight miscues and shadow the achievements. I am strongly against American laughing at him and reducing him to buffoonery, and therefore I would like to take a moment to recognize his accomplishments.

General Larry Platt is a civil rights activist. This former student of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked with activist groups like the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and Southern Christian Leadership Conference(Black and white photo) to fight racial segregation in the South. He was beaten while participating in the infamous 1965 “Bloody Sunday” protest march from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama. He has marched with the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Hosea Williams. The nickname "General" was given to him by Hosea Williams because of his heroic efforts on behalf of the civil rights movement. The Georgia General Assembly designated September 4, 2001, as Larry Platt Day for his "priceless and immeasurable contributions to society", as well as "his great energy and commitment to equality and the protection of the innocent and for his outstanding service to the Atlanta community and the citizens of Georgia”. On that fateful day, the Georgia General Assembly declared: “For the past 40 years, Larry Platt has given of himself in service to the people of the City of Atlanta, the State of Georgia, and the nation…Larry Platt merits the highest recognition for his many valuable contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and his dedication to the struggle for equality and human rights.”

General Larry Platt had a hand in changing our generation. He helped fight to provide a space where we can equal access to our constitutional rights, education, jobs, and facilities. It is sad when an influential figure is reduced to a good whooping laugh. Does anybody else see the problem with that?