The Cook County Board of Commissioners presented a resolution honoring the life and career of investigative journalist Renee Ferguson, citing her pioneering role on Chicago television and national news and her investigations into systemic injustices.

Speakers described Ferguson as a trailblazer who broke barriers as an African American woman in television. The board’s resolution and several commissioners’ remarks highlighted Ferguson’s investigative work on strip searches of Black women at O’Hare Airport, workplace harassment allegations at the Ford Motor plant, and abuses within the Chicago Police Department.

Commissioners and community members remembered Ferguson’s mentorship of younger journalists and her role establishing investigative teams at local stations. “She believed in the spirit of excellence, and she believed in Black excellence,” said a longtime colleague who addressed the board. The transcript shows multiple colleagues and public figures joining the board in honoring Ferguson and referencing a memorial scholarship fund established in her name.

Discussion type: ceremonial resolution and public remembrance. Direction/assignment: none recorded. Formal action: resolution presented and remarks given; no policy action recorded.

Ending: The board memorialized Ferguson’s contributions and noted a scholarship fund in her honor; several speakers pledged to carry on mentorship and investigative work she championed.