Activism
IN MEMORIAM: James E. Peterson, 75
Born in Birmingham, Ala., on June 5, 1946, James Peterson’s life was dedicated to public service. His civil rights work began in the 1960s when he was the associate director of the Poor People’s Campaign in Wash., DC. He proudly served under Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his close friend, Dr. Ralph D. Abernathy.
On Oct. 28, 2021, the world lost a powerful champion for civil rights when James Peterson passed away in Berkeley, California.
Born in Birmingham, Ala., on June 5, 1946, Patterson’s life was dedicated to public service.
His civil rights work began in the 1960s when he was the associate director of the Poor People’s Campaign in Wash., DC. He proudly served under Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his close friend, Dr. Ralph D. Abernathy.
In 1969, he moved to Berkeley and graduated from Cal with a bachelor’s in Philosophy. He also got his master’s degree in Urban Studies and Planning from Antioch University.
He served on the Alameda County Human Relations Commission, Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, and the Berkeley Zoning Adjustment Board. He ran for Berkeley City Council, as well as for the Peralta School District Board.
In 1971, he served on the original staff of Congressman Ronald V. Dellums. James also was an advisor to the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Small Business and two former U.S. presidents.
From 1980 to 1990 he worked closely with Dr. Abernathy, forming the Foundation for Economic Enterprise Development (FEED), which focused on job development and transportation issues for youth in the Atlanta area.
Throughout his life, Peterson’s consultancy work was highly sought-after. Most recently, Patterson worked in healthcare serving as a lead consultant to the James A Watson Wellness Center, refinancing the building and procuring COVID 19 grants and community outreach programs.
He is survived by his brother; Walter Knox of Birmingham, Ala.; sister, Gwendolyn Peterson Galloway (David) of Charlotte, N.C.; brother Ronald L. Peterson (Kemi) of Van Buren Township, Mich.; brother Isaac Peterson and sister Alveritta Peterson, both of Birmingham, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends.
Memorial services for James Peterson will be held on Nov. 20, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel of The Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611.
