Felder Reflects on Activism with Late Collaborator Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Sumter native and former state lawmaker discusses his childhood and civil rights work with the renowned civil rights leader.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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James "Jim" Lee Felder, a Sumter native and former state lawmaker, was already planning to travel to his hometown on February 17th when news broke of the passing of his longtime collaborator and fellow civil rights activist, the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. Felder, who worked closely with Jackson over the years, is now reflecting on their shared experiences growing up in South Carolina and fighting for racial justice.

Why it matters

Felder and Jackson were two of South Carolina's most prominent civil rights leaders, working together on numerous initiatives to advance the cause of racial equality in the state and across the country. Their partnership and friendship spanned decades, making Felder's reflections on Jackson's life and legacy particularly poignant.

The details

Felder, who served in the South Carolina state legislature for over 20 years, collaborated extensively with Jackson on civil rights campaigns and activism. The two men, both natives of the Palmetto State, drew on their shared experiences and commitment to social justice to fuel their work together.

  • Felder was already planning to travel to Sumter, South Carolina on February 17th.
  • Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr. passed away recently.

The players

James "Jim" Lee Felder

A Sumter native and former state lawmaker in South Carolina, Felder was a longtime civil rights activist who collaborated extensively with Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr.

A renowned civil rights leader and activist who was also a native of South Carolina, Jackson worked closely with Felder on numerous initiatives over the years.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This story highlights the enduring legacy of two of South Carolina's most prominent civil rights leaders, Felder and Jackson, whose partnership and friendship spanned decades of activism and advocacy for racial justice in the state and beyond.