Joel Ferguson, a titan in Michigan’s real estate development, politics, and community leadership, passed away Saturday at 85. His life leaves behind a legacy woven deeply into the fabric of Lansing, Michigan State University (MSU), and the Democratic Party. His impact is a testament to his lifelong dedication to uplifting others through development, governance, and public service.
Born and raised in Lansing, Ferguson’s journey was shaped by his commitment to his community. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1965 after serving his country as a United States Marine. Ferguson’s connection to MSU grew from his time as a student to serving over 30 years on the Board of Trustees. First elected in 1986, his leadership became crucial in guiding multiple presidential searches. His long-standing advocacy for minority students shaped MSU’s progress and mission, and his work helped bridge divides.
MSU issued a heartfelt statement in the wake of his passing. “Joel was a champion for our beloved university, serving on the Board for more than 30 years,” the statement read. “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. His legacy will be strong and everlasting on our Spartan community.”
Ferguson’s career extended far beyond the walls of the university. Through his firm, Ferguson Development LLC, he played a significant role in reshaping Lansing’s landscape. He developed multifamily residential, commercial, and office buildings that stand as testaments to his vision of growth. His company recently completed the $260 million, 36-acre Red Cedar mixed-use development, a project that exemplified his continued influence on the region.
Though Lansing was his primary focus, Ferguson’s reach extended to Detroit. He worked on an on-again, off-again development project at the Michigan State Fairgrounds with Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Despite initial challenges, the land eventually transformed into an Amazon warehouse, highlighting his persistent efforts in redevelopment.
In addition to his work in real estate, Ferguson co-founded Lansing television stations WFSL-Channel 47 and WLAJ, further shaping the media landscape in the city. His efforts created platforms for more diverse voices, reflecting his deep belief in media’s power to inform and empower.
Politically, Ferguson was a force to be reckoned with. In 1967, he became the first Black person elected to the Lansing City Council. His leadership on the council spanned three terms, a reflection of his dedication to civic service and his community. Ferguson’s influence reached beyond Lansing, serving as the chair of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign in Michigan. His ability to mobilize support and raise funds made him a key player in Democratic Party politics, both in Michigan and on the national stage.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer paid tribute to Ferguson’s legacy, reflecting on their longtime family connection. “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,” she said. “He made Michigan a better place, and I was proud to call him a longtime family friend.”
Ferguson’s reach extended into corporate leadership as well. He served on the board of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and as vice chair of the Blue Cross Foundation. His ability to navigate multiple sectors—from real estate to media to corporate leadership—was a hallmark of his career. Ferguson never limited himself to one field. Instead, he built bridges across industries, always focusing on the betterment of his community.
As tributes poured in following his death, the magnitude of his contributions to Lansing, Michigan State University, and the state of Michigan became even more evident. His name became synonymous with progress. His work in development and politics is a reminder of how one person can fundamentally reshape their community. He believed in creating opportunities where others saw none, and his life’s work reflects that.
Ferguson’s career and legacy show that change is possible when one remains dedicated to their community and invests in its people. He was not only a developer of buildings but also of ideas and possibilities, shaping futures in ways that many will never fully understand. His influence on MSU, Lansing, and Michigan politics ensures that his legacy will live on in every building, policy, and project he touched.
Governor Whitmer’s statement echoed the sentiments of many. “He made Michigan a better place,” she said, “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.”
Ferguson’s passing is a significant loss to the community. His vision helped shape Lansing and beyond. His efforts to make Michigan State University more accessible for minority students created opportunities for many. His political influence provided a voice for those who often felt marginalized. His leadership in media allowed stories to be told that might otherwise have gone unheard. In every sector he touched, Ferguson left behind a legacy of dedication and perseverance.
The tributes from leaders across Michigan are a testament to the respect and admiration he garnered over the decades. His work will be remembered not only for the structures he built but for the lives he changed. As MSU’s leadership reflected, “His legacy will be strong and everlasting on our Spartan community.”
Joel Ferguson’s life was one of service. He spent his years building, not just in the physical sense, but in a way that created pathways for future generations. He opened doors that were previously closed and ensured that others could follow in his footsteps. His legacy lives on in the countless people he mentored, the community he served, and the institutions he helped strengthen.
The Black community, and indeed the state of Michigan, has lost a giant. Yet, Joel Ferguson’s impact will continue to resonate for years to come. His work was never about personal gain—it was about collective progress. It was about ensuring that the community he loved had the tools, the access, and the opportunities to grow and thrive.
His life stands as a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make when they are truly dedicated to their community. Ferguson’s legacy will inspire generations to come, reminding them that service, leadership, and a commitment to justice are the building blocks of a life well-lived.
About Post Author
