We sometimes forget the arduous strides of those who made their way in the world before us, those who paved the paths that allow us to travel through life with less hardship than our ancestors.  Dr. Russell Lindberg Platt did just that.

On August 2, 2018, Russell L. Platt went home to be with the Lord.  All knew Russell as a Godly man, exhibiting much wisdom and wit using his “Plattitudes”.  He accepted the Lord at an early age and since 12 years of age, he knew he had a calling on his life to make a difference in every person in his care.  Medicine was a ministry for him.  From humble beginnings, he became the first African American physician in Akron, Ohio and the first African American resident to work in the Summa Health System, Akron City Hospital.

He was born to Francis and Carlie Platt on July 10, 1927, in Latta, South Carolina. He attended Dillon County Training School, an unaccredited school in Latta for Negroes.  After attending Voorhees Preparatory School, he was allowed to enter South Carolina State University.  He attended from 1945-1949, majoring in biology and secondary education and minoring in chemistry.

While attending S.C. State, he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Lambda Chapter in 1947. Dr. Platt received his Master’s Degree in Education from The Ohio State University and also did a stint in the newly integrated United States Air Force. While serving in the United States Air Force Medical Service, he studied aviation physiology and rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in Aviation Medicine. In 1960, he graduated and received his Medical Degree from Meharry Medical.

While in Tennessee, he met and married his “soul mate” Barbara Platt, and through this union, they were blessed with six children. Dr. Platt leaned on his favorite scripture Romans 8:28: “and we know that all things work together for the good to them that love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose.”   This enabled him to remain a committed and dedicated family man and physician for nearly 60 years.  His patients loved him and remained in his practice until his retirement.

He was a proud member of The American Medical Association, The Ohio State Medical Association, The Summit County Medical Association, The American Society of Internal Medicine, and The National Medical Association. He received many honors and accolades through the years. Most recently, Summa Health established the Russell Platt Clerkship, collecting over $10,000 for medical residents. He was selected for the prestigious Crain’s Magazine “Eight over Eighty.” He was also featured in an article in the Akron Beacon Journal, “Pioneering Black Doctor Living his calling at 89″.

Dr. Platt was a loving and caring husband and father who spent as much time with his family as he could. His wife Barbara preceded him in death on February 9, 2012.

He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy six children Michael, Pamela (Michael) Potts, Russell (Martrice) Platt Jr, Deborah (Anthony) Watters, Renee and Kimberly; ten grandchildren; Brooks, Tyler, Russell, III, Brendon, Zak, Jered, Zoe, Jordan, Canaan, and Lauren.  Also preceding him in death were two sisters, Inez and Doris and two brothers, Carlie and Ernest, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Paul and Evelyn Martin of Virginia, Howard and Theresa Brown of Akron and sister-in-law, Mary Platt, of North Carolina as well as a host of other beloved relatives and friends.