By Inez Clark
The Divine Divas of the Texarkana Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, led by their President, Patricia Anthony, were the incomparable hosts of an event that gave tribute and honor to the Tuskegee Airmen.
Hosted at the Truman Student Center of Texarkana College, Captain Claude R. Platte and his gracious wife Erma, entertained, educated and enlightened their audience. They shared their memoirs of Captain Platte’s experiences and exploits as the Chief Flight Instructor for the Famed African American Fighter Pilots of WWII- the Tuskegee Airmen.
Captain Platte spoke of the events that occurred in his life early on that shaped and motivated his desire to learn to fly, He spoke of the barriers that stalled but didn’t stop his desire to fly. Flying came to him as natural as breathing and his skills were quickly recognized by his trainers and instructors. Soon, he himself was chosen as the primary flight instructor and his students – more than 300- amassed a combat flying record that was unequaled. Honored by both Mayors of Texarkana and other distinguished citizens, this day will be remembered and recorded as the day the Tuskegee Airmen “landed” in Texarkana!
