Civil rights attorney and Charlotte icon James Ferguson II dies at age 82

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte community is remembering civil rights attorney James Ferguson, II. Ferguson passed away Monday at 82-years-old after a battle with COVID and other illnesses.

A graduate of Columbia Law School, Ferguson had a life-long interest in civil rights. He co-founded the first integrated law firm in North Carolina. he was known as the “go-to” lawyer for police misconduct and excessive force cases.

Ferguson helped advance a busing plan in Charlotte-Mecklenburg that the Supreme Court ruled in 1971 was appropriate to promote school integration. The CMS Board of Education wrote in a statement in part, “Attorney Ferguson will forever be remembered for a life of great purpose.”

The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg also says in part, “His contributions have left an indelible mark on the legal profession (and) our local institutions.”

Details about memorial services have not yet been released.