James Chaney (1943 - 1964) was an African American civil rights activist who is most known for his tragic death during the Freedom Summer of 1964. Born on May 30, 1943 in Meridian, Mississippi, Chaney became involved in the civil rights movement as a young man, motivated by the desire to challenge the systemic racism and discrimination that existed in the South.

In June 1964, Chaney, along with two other civil rights workers—Andrew Goodman, a Jewish college student, and Michael Schwerner, a Jewish civil rights activist—were working to register African American voters in the South. The three men were abducted by members of the Ku Klux Klan in Neshoba County, Mississippi, after they had been investigating the burning of a church used by African Americans for civil rights activities.

The bodies of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner were found 44 days later, buried in an earthen dam. Their deaths shocked the nation and helped draw attention to the violent resistance to civil rights activism in the South. The murder of these three men was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and led to increased federal involvement in the fight for racial equality.

Their deaths led to the prosecution of several Klan members, but it wasn’t until years later that convictions were achieved. The case highlighted the risks civil rights activists faced and underscored the urgency of federal action on civil rights issues. James Chaney is remembered as a martyr for racial justice and equality, and his legacy continues to inspire efforts toward civil rights and social change.