Charlotte Civil Rights Icon James Ferguson Dies at 82

Ferguson played a major role in helping desegregate Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in the late 1960s.

JAMES E. FERGUSON, II — Source: Ferguson Chambers & Sumter, P.A. / fergusonsumter.com

James Ferguson, a well-known civil rights attorney based in Charlotte, has died at the age of 82.

Ferguson, originally from Asheville, played a major role in helping desegregate Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in the late 1960s.

He later co-founded Charlotte’s first integrated law firm, leading it as president for 40 years. Ferguson also represented former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon in a federal corruption case following his 2014 arrest.

Beyond his work in the Carolinas, Ferguson helped launch South Africa’s first Trial Advocacy Program, which was open to both Black and white lawyers during apartheid. He also led trial training sessions in the U.K. and across the U.S., further extending his legal influence.

Ferguson leaves behind a legacy defined by justice, leadership, and a commitment to equality.

Jocelyn Nolley, the chairperson of the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, issued the following statement on Ferguson’s death:

“It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that we share the news of the passing of Attorney James Ferguson—a towering figure in the fight for justice, equity, and civil rights in our community and beyond.

Mr. Ferguson, a founding partner of the pioneering civil rights law firm Ferguson, Stein, Chambers, Gresham & Sumter, was not only an exceptional legal mind but also a courageous advocate for the Black community. His career was marked by a tireless pursuit of justice, most notably through his defense of civil rights activists and his role in landmark cases that helped shape our understanding of equality under the law.

Throughout his life, Attorney Ferguson remained steadfast in his commitment to dismantling systemic racism and empowering those who had been marginalized. His work extended beyond the courtroom—he was a mentor, a civic leader, and a voice of reason and integrity in times of challenge and change. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the legal profession, our local institutions, and the broader movement for Black liberation.