Memorial Service Honoring the Life and Legacy of James E. Ferguson II

A memorial service celebrating the life and legacy of Attorney James E. Ferguson II was held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. James AME Church in Asheville, NC.

Hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, the service recognized Ferguson’s lifelong commitment to civil rights, justice, and equality.

A native of Asheville, Ferguson rose to prominence as a student at Stephens-Lee High School, where he founded and led the Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality (ASCORE). Under his leadership, ASCORE helped desegregate many of the city’s institutions, including Pack Library, restaurants, theaters, and other public spaces.

Ferguson became one of the nation’s leading civil rights attorneys. As co-founder of North Carolina’s first interracial law firm, he fought for justice in landmark cases such as Swan v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg, which advanced school desegregation nationwide, and served as lead counsel in the historic Wilmington Ten case. His advocacy extended internationally, addressing racial bias in death penalty cases and supporting justice efforts in South Africa.

Speakers including the Honorable Al Whitesides, the Honorable Antoinette Mosley, and Oralene Graves Simmons reflected on his pursuit of justice and lasting influence as a mentor and leader. Colleagues Eugene Ellison, Debra Miles, and David King shared personal memories of his courage, intellect, and compassion.

Ferguson passed away on July 21, 2025 at the age of 82. His legacy continues to guide the ongoing fight for equality. In his memory, the Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe is establishing the James Ferguson Leadership Scholarship Fund to support and inspire future leaders.