In Memoriam
Trailblazing Journalist Renee Ferguson dies at 75
Renee Ferguson, a pioneering investigative journalist and longtime advocate for racial justice, has died at 75. As the first Black woman in investigative reporting at NBC Chicago, she exposed corruption, civil rights violations, and wrongful convictions, leaving behind a legacy of truth and accountability.
Renee Ferguson, a pioneering investigative journalist and the first Black woman to hold the role in Chicago television, has died at 75.
Her family confirmed her passing on June 6, 2025.
Ferguson spent more than two decades at NBC Chicago, uncovering corruption and advocating for marginalized communities. Her reporting led to policy reforms, including changes to airport security procedures and the exoneration of Tyrone Hood, who was wrongfully convicted of murder.
She was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and won the duPont–Columbia Award for investigative journalism. Ferguson also co-founded the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
“She was a relentless advocate for the truth,” said Kevin Cross, president of NBCU Local Chicago. “Her legacy will continue to shape investigative journalism”.
Renee Ferguson retired in 2008, leaving behind a legacy dedicated to social justice and storytelling.
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Search intensified for missing Maryland teen Dacara Thompson
YouTube comedic personality Keith Leak Jr. reveals cancer’s return, GoFundMe campaign raises more than $330k
Nevada School District Pays $60K to Settle Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Over Cafeteria Worker’s ‘Black Voice’
2025 Georgia Football Classic ignites Atlanta with HBCU spirit, football rivalry, and marching band showdown
Michigan crash claims lives of mother and two children
Black couple survives alleged racist attack, car crash in rural Virginia
Michigan crash claims lives of mother and two children
Body of missing North Carolina teen Giovanni Pelletier found in Florida retention pond, family confirms
Florida teen arrested after allegedly killing parents
Maryland woman sentenced to 50 years after her young niece and nephew’s remains found in trunk
Hazel Scott’s legacy returns to Harlem in free outdoor film screening
Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth
Trailblazing Journalist Renee Ferguson dies at 75
“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” returns to the land with “Sweet Samara,” climate and abolitionist film
New Jersey teen escapes after allegedly being held captive for years, kept in dog crate, and abused in home
-
Community2 days agoMichigan crash claims lives of mother and two children
-
In Memoriam5 days agoBeloved Mississippi news anchor Celeste Wilson dies suddenly at 42
-
Police1 week agoMississippi mother demands justice after teen son fatally struck by a police cruiser
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks agoVirginia man sentenced to life for murder of New Jersey councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour
-
Community3 days agoGoFundMe launched for viral flight hero “Linebacker17C” after midair takedown
-
Black Excellence2 days agoMississippi teen begins college journey at just 16, majoring in Electro-Mechanical engineering
-
Social Justice6 days agoSouth Carolina man shot in alleged hate crime speaks out and pushes for change
-
Community2 weeks agoBurger King employee who went viral for running restaurant alone for 12 hours says she was fired; GoFundMe launched