Reception honors life, legacy of attorney James Ferguson

DANIEL COSTON | THE CHARLOTTE POST

An Aug. 7 public reception honoring the life and legacy of civil rights attorney James Ferguson will be held at Club Nile on Graham Street.

A special memorial reception honoring late civil rights attorney James Ferguson will be held at Club Nile after his funeral on Aug. 7.  

The reception, which is free and open to the public,  will be held at Club Nile, 5741 N. Graham St. near the Derita community.

Organizers of “Closing Arguments: Honoring His Legacy-Remembering Our Friend” is a chance for friends and colleagues to share their experiences and  joys of having known Ferguson, who died July 21 at age 82.  They will reflect on his service to the causes of justice, equality, civil rights and friendship.

“Having first met Fergie when I was a television news reporter more than 50 years ago, we grew closer as friends and both of us at separate times even became owners of Charlotte’s Historic Excelsior Club,” event co-organizer Ken Koontz said. “It was under Fergie’s ownership that we collaborated and hosted a similar memorial reception after the 2013 funeral service of his late law partner, friend and civil rights legal icon Julius Chambers. It’s only befitting that ‘Fergie’ is awarded the same memorial courtesy. And I am certain there will also be renewals of acquaintances and a range of memories and stories shared.”

Co-host attorney Harold Cogdell met Ferguson as a young upstart lawyer. 

“Fergie took me under his wing in a mentor/mentee relationship that grew much deeper over the years,” said Cogdell, a former Mecklenburg County commissioner. 

Ferguson’s longtime law partner, Geraldine Sumter, joins Koontz and Cogdell in the venture. In addition to speakers of various backgrounds and relationships to Ferguson, the event plans to offer opportunities for others to record brief video condolences to be compiled and presented to the family. Consistent with Ferguson’s penchant for entertainment and hospitality, refreshments will be available.

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