Fmr. Michigan State University Trustee, Lansing leader and local developer Joel Ferguson has died

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Longtime civil rights advocate, political leader and real estate developer Joel Ferguson has died. He was 86.

Ferguson was raised in Lansing. Following service in the United States Marine Corps, he attended Michigan State University where he received a degree in elementary education.

His journey found him an advisor to Martin Luther King, Jr. He was also political mover and shaker who worked with politicians such as Robert “Bobby” Kennedy, Jesse Jackson and more. He was elected to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees in 1986 and served in that statewide elected office until 2021.

Ferguson was also a real estate developer. His work included the Red Cedar Project on Michigan Ave, which transformed a derelict former Red Cedar Golf Course into a multi-million dollar multi-use project with retail spaces, a hotel and apartments. The project cost $263 million to bring to life.

He also was one of the first major developers to put his roots down in Lansing’s Old Town when he led the redevelopment of the former Estes Furniture warehouse on Turner St. near Center St. He also developed the townhomes just north of the former warehouse.

He built the building that currently serves as the headquarters for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The building was originally developed as a headquarters for the Michigan State Police.

He also started WLAJ ABC 53 in Lansing.

Ferguson’s Legacy

While serving on the MSU Board of Trustees, Ferguson became embroiled in the Larry Nassar scandal. In defending former MSU President Lou Anna Simon, Ferguson accused attorneys representing the sexual assault and abuse victims of the former MSU doctor of being “ chasing ambulances .”

Bill Castanier, president of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing, says Ferguson’s reaction to the Nassar scandal was “unfortunate.”

“He was on the wrong side of that, for sure,” says Castanier.

The historian says while he was on the “wrong side” in that scandal, he left an enormous legacy in leadership in civil rights, politics and real estate development in the state and country.

That includes becoming the first Black man elected to the Lansing City Council in 1967. Castanier tells 6 News as the country was wrestling with riots in 1966, Lansing had a “mini-riot.” Ferguson, he says, stepped into the middle of the uprising, “and ended it.”

Former Lansing Mayor David Hollister tells 6 News in a phone call that Ferguson was a “confidente and advisor” to Martin Luther King, Jr.

“He was a trusted advisor,” Hollister says of the King-Ferguson relationship.

Castanier said in 1968, Ferguson was responsible for getting Robert “Bobby” Kennedy to come to Michigan State University — just 23 days before Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles.

Ferguson was “incredibly important” to the Lansing community. Hollister says. He said Ferguson was a “solid friend.”

“It makes me sad he’s gone,” says the former mayor.

Hollister says he recalls working with Ferguson to negotiate the development of three tri-county area agreements in the late 70s and early 80s that helped to shape the region. Hollister was on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, and Ferguson was on the Lansing City Council. Working together, the duo helped craft the language to create the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, a tri-county mental health commission and a tri-county regional transportation commission.

Hollister says that those deals were regionalism before regionalism was a buzzword. He says Ferguson was a “master politician and a good negotiator.”

In addition to his political and civil rights work, Ferguson was a prolific developer in Lansing. His most recent development was turning the former Red Cedar Golf Course, on Michigan Ave. across from Frandor, into a $2263 million retail, apartment and hotel complex.

Ferguson also started WLAJ ABC 53.

From the Ferguson Family

Lansing, MI – A prominent businessman, philanthropist, father, husband, friend and mentor, Joel Ferguson was born on November 14, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan, to Josephine Wharton and Rollin Ferguson. After a lifetime of astonishing accomplishments, Joel Ferguson peacefully passed on October 19, 2024 in Lansing, MI. Only fitting that it be on the same morning of the MSU Homecoming, which he dedicated so many years to. He was a true Spartan, through and through.

Joel will be remembered for his kind heart, his charismatic smile, his natural born ability to redefine business hustle and his lifelong purpose to create positive change, in which he did. Joel’s impact on the state of Michigan and beyond will be felt for many generations to come.

He received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1965 from Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Michigan.

Ferguson served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959. After college, he taught elementary school and adult education and was assistant director of the job training center for the Michigan Catholic Conference for two years. He served as the director of the Greater Lansing Urban League On the Job Training program from 1967 to 1969.

In 1967, he became the first African American elected to the Lansing City Council, where he served three terms, until 1970. In 1968, he chaired Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in mid-Michigan and the Michigan Delegation to the Democratic National Convention. From 1969 to 1973, Ferguson was development director at the Mid-West Urban Construction Company of Flint, Michigan. In 1972, he worked on George McGovern’s presidential campaign and has had a role in every Democratic presidential campaign since. In 1973, Ferguson co-founded F & S Development Company, which became Ferguson Development LLC in 1996, in Lansing. In 1980, Ferguson became co-owner of the property management firm First Housing Corporation and, in 1982, founded WFSL-TV in Lansing, later WSYM Fox47, where he served as president. He co-founded Lansing’s Capitol National Bank in 1983. Ferguson founded Lansing’s WLAJ-TV, an ABC affiliate, in 1990, where he served as president. Ferguson has developed buildings across Michigan, including for the Michigan State Police and the Michigan House of Representatives.

Joel’s work extended far beyond the business world. As an influential figure in the political and educational spheres, he served as Michigan campaign manager for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns. In 1986, Ferguson was elected to the Michigan State University board of trustees, where he served twelve years as chair and was the longest-serving member, ending his tenure in 2021. In 1988, Ferguson became an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee, where he later served on the Standing Committee on Credentials.

He joined the board of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation in 1989, of which he became vice-chair in 2004, and served on the board of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) from 1995 to 2001. From 2001 to 2003, he was vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee Black Caucus. He also has served on the boards of the Michigan Broadband Development Authority and the Flint Receivership Transition Authority, as a senior advisor for Detroit Mayor Coleman Young’s reelection campaign, on the Ingham County Board of Supervisors, the Greater Lansing Safety Council, and the Citizens Commission to Improve Michigan Courts.

Ferguson received the A. Philip Randolph Institute Award in 1987, an NAACP Truth & Justice Award, a Lansing Black Lawyers Association award in 2005, a doctorate of humane letter from Adrian College in 2008, an award from the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Award. In 2022, Ferguson was awarded the Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation award.

Joel Ferguson’s life story was documented in the Library of Congress in March of 2022.

Joel Ferguson’s life was a testament to what it means to serve one’s community with passion, integrity, and vision. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and leadership that will continue to inspire those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Sent by Tina Miller, spokeswoman for the family of Joel Ferguson

Formal statements on Joel Ferguson’s passing

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement on the passing of Ferguson:

“Today, we mourn the loss of Joel Ferguson. A good man, Lansing legend, and proud Spartan, he was a friend to so many over his decades of service.

“He built homes, stewarded his beloved alma mater MSU on the board of trustees, and served his nation in uniform as a United States Marine. Joel not only invested in his community, but he embodied its core values.

“He made Michigan a better place, and I was proud to call him a longtime family friend. My thoughts are with his family and all those who were lucky enough to know him, work alongside him, and learn from him.”

Statement from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor released the following statement to 6 News:

I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Joel Ferguson. Joel was a true trailblazer and community hero in Lansing, and throughout Michigan and the nation. He was a giant in Lansing, being the first African American to serve on our Lansing City Council, doing so much for our community as a local developer. But he was so much more. He was a passionate Democrat and served on the Democratic National Committee and was an advisor to several US Presidents. Joel was the definition of a Spartan and fiercely loyal to all that is Michigan State University. His commitment to public service and community was unparalleled, leaving an indelible mark on our city and state.

On a personal note, Joel was a good friend. I cherished the time that we had together, and the many calls that I would get from him telling me to stay firm and keep pushing forward for our city. He was one of my early supporters for State Representative, and always had my back as Mayor. And he always had a kind word for me in a tough time. He even loved that I am a Wolverine, and always told me how much he loved UM hospital for all they did for him and his family!

Thank you, Joel, for all that you have done for this city, your family, and for me. You paved the way for future generations to succeed and will be greatly missed by so many. But I know you are somewhere in heaven, asking the good lord to watch over your family, Lansing, Kamala Harris, and your Spartans! Rest in peace, dear friend.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor statement on passing of Joel Ferguson

Former Gov. Jim Blanchard issued the following statement on the passing of Ferguson:

Joel Ferguson, my friend, was a force of nature. His multi faceted career touched business, broadcasting, education, politics and sports. He did it all. We shared our love of our alma mater, MSU, and our Spartan Nation has lost a loyal soldier. Janet and I offer our deepest sympathies to Anna and the entire Ferguson family.

Former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard

Brian P. Jackson, chair of the Ingham County Democratic Party, issued the following statement regarding the passing of Joel Ferguson:

Joel Ferguson was a giant, not just within the Michigan Democratic Party or the Michigan State University or Lansing City, but across the country. He was a trailblazer and a mentor to so many others.

Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Brian P. Jackson, Chair, Ingham County Democratic Party, email statement to 6 News

Former Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero issued a statement on Facebook.

Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., Board of Trustees Chair Dan Kelly and Athletic Director Alan Haller issued the following joint statement on the passing of Ferguson:

On behalf of Michigan State University, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of former Board of Trustees Chair Joel Ferguson. Joel was a champion for our beloved university, serving on the Board for more than 30 years. He advocated for improved access for minority students, worked collectively with those he didn’t always agree with personally to advance projects and the university forward, and was a strong supporter of MSU Athletics.  Beyond MSU, he was a civil rights leader, successful businessman and community leader and a strong proponent for the Lansing area.  His legacy will be strong and everlasting on our Spartan community.

Statement from MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., Board of Trustees Chair Dan Kelly and Athletic Director Alan Haller

Sarah Anthony, Michigan State Senator, issued the following statement on the passing of Ferguson:

As a young leader in mid-Michigan, I would often call Joel Ferguson for advice and insight. While waiting for him to answer, I’d be greeted by his ring back, Frank Sinatra’s “My way”. In so many ways, this song was indicative of the way he lived his life: on his own terms and with a passion for our community and its people.

The impact he had on Greater Lansing, the state of Michigan, and the entire country cannot be overstated.

His life was an example of service, as demonstrated through his years as an educator, public servant, mentor and business leader.

For those of us who had the honor of calling him a friend, we are very comforted by the countless memories of the man who paved the way. We are now charged with continuing and building upon his rich legacy.

My heart is with his family and all of those mourning his loss.

Sarah Anthony, Michigan State Senate, statement sent to 6 news

This is a developing story.

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