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.
Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to Subscribe to our newsletter today
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Jacksonville officer who punched William McNeil Jr. in viral arrest cleared of excessive force, returned to full duty
Asbury Park High School: Blast off into 2026!!!!!
GoFundMe launched for daughters of Keith Porter after fatal shooting by off-duty ICE agent
Black Harvard resident dean removed after old social media posts surface; GoFundMe launched
First Black woman chef on ‘America’s Test Kitchen’ dies from ovarian cancer at 49
Parkland school shooting survivor Donovan Metayer dies by suicide at 26
Montgomery, Alabama pastor DaQuarius Green shot and killed in ‘domestic incident’
Officer who fatally shot Tamir Rice fired from West Virginia ranger job
South Carolina midwife Dr. Janell Green Smith dies after childbirth complications
Former ‘Lion King’ Broadway child star Imani Dia Smith fatally stabbed in New Jersey
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
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks agoMontgomery, Alabama pastor DaQuarius Green shot and killed in ‘domestic incident’
-
Community1 week agoSouth Carolina midwife Dr. Janell Green Smith dies after childbirth complications
-
In Memoriam2 weeks agoGospel legend Richard Smallwood dies at 77
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks agoFormer New York prison guard gets 25 years to life for inmate’s fatal beating
-
Business1 week agoNorth Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore reopens following threats
-
New Jersey1 week agoRising New Jersey boxer struck, killed by car, prosecutor says
-
Crime & Justice1 week agoPortland mom accused of killing 4-year-old son in drunken car crash has disappeared
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks agoA Chicago records store received death threats over Black, diverse music they sell