James H. Hayes

James H. Hayes (1855/1858 – January 28, 1917) was an American lawyer and civil rights activist primarily active in Richmond, Virginia. Hayes taught in Richmond schools and co-founded the African-American newspaper the Richmond Planet in the early 1880s, before he left to attend Howard University School of Law. Following his graduation, Hayes returned to Richmond and served on the Richmond City Council from 1886 to 1890.

After moving to Washington, D.C., around 1898, Hayes remained active in Virginia politics, filing lawsuits which challenged voter restrictions in the 1902 Virginia State Constitution. He was also active in the national civil rights movement, drawing attention for his militant statements and opposition to Booker T. Washington.