This week AFT-Maryland, the Baltimore City Public School system, the Baltimore Teachers Union and the Labor Movement lost a great friend. On Tuesday November 27, 2012, Patricia Cook-Ferguson passed away after a brief illness.
I met Pat more than twenty years ago when she came to Cross Country Elementary School. She taught Special Education in a small art room that had been converted into a classroom. We became friends instantly. She had three small sons that I watched grow into young men. She later had five grandchildren that were the light of her life.
Pat became involved in the Union becoming a building representative, a member of the bargaining team, an executive board member, chair of the safety and organizing committees. She also became Secretary-Treasurer of AFT-Maryland.
Pat loved teaching and she loved her Union. Pat was also involved in the community. She served as president of the NAACP Baltimore County Branch. Under her tenure, the NAACP Baltimore County Branch had an effective get out the vote campaign and filed suit for fair housing. Her biggest accomplishment was establishing an ACT-SO Committee which she asked me to chair. For the past seven years, the students have always brought home medals from the National Competition.
I will always remember her for her commitment, loyalty and civic duty; she was committed to her students, the NAACP and her Union. Rest in peace Pat, for you have served well and your journey is complete.
Please keep Pat's family in your thoughts and prayers.
- Marietta English