Renee Ferguson, who spent more than two decades as a television reporter in Chicago, was a gifted storyteller.

Ms. Ferguson made history when she became the first Black woman to work as an investigative reporter in Chicago TV news. She also co-founded the Chicago chapter of the National Association for Black Journalists.

“She was a champion of good journalism and a powerful force who not only told stories, but really got into this business to make a difference, to change lives, to help people,” said Regina Waldroup, an NBC5 reporter who was mentored by Ms. Ferguson. “I think that some of us have forgotten that along the way, but she never did.”

Among her many honors, Ms. Ferguson received seven Chicago Emmy awards, was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and won an Alfred I. duPont–Co

See Full Page