James Farmer was an influential American civil rights activist and a key figure in the struggle for racial equality during the 20th century. Born on January 12, 1920, in Marshall, Texas, he co-founded the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in 1942, which played a significant role in the civil rights movement. Farmer was known for promoting nonviolent protest and direct action to combat segregation and discrimination. Throughout his life, Farmer participated in numerous campaigns, including the Freedom Rides in 1961, which aimed to challenge segregation in interstate bus travel. He also served as a leader in various organizations and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998 for his contributions to civil rights. Farmer passed away on July 9, 2019, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight for social justice.