New Orleans political strategist William Rouselle Jr. dies at 77

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — New Orleans political strategist and Bright Moments CEO William “Bill” Rouselle Jr. has died.

According to a news release from Bright Moments, Rouselle died on Sunday, July 21, at age 77.

Bright Moments officials said Rouselle was a New Orleans native who graduated from Xavier University in 1967 and began pursuing a career in media. A year later, he became “the first African American on-air news reporter in New Orleans.”

After his time as a reporter, Bright Moments officials said Rouselle also worked as the deputy director of the Human Relations Committee at City Hall, the director of the Parent Community Alliance and “headed Ad Hoc Committee for Accountable Police.”

Rouselle provided public relations and advertising services to the City of New Orleans, New Orleans Public Schools, New Orleans East Hospital, Total Action Community and Liberty Bank.

As a political strategist, Bright Moments officials said Rouselle worked in campaigns for candidates including Dorothy Mae Taylor, Mary Landrieu, Ray Nagin, Mitch Landrieu and LaToya Cantrell.

At this time, funeral arrangements are pending.

The City of New Orleans issued a statement noting Rouselle’s accomplishments, calling him a “communications and community trailblazer who set standards and broke barriers for African Americans in the communications industry.”

“It was that kind of spirit that Bill brought to the forefront of our community,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “More importantly, he brought a deep love to everything that he worked on and to everyone he touched. He was instrumental in my career in government service and a true friend and leading voice in encouraging me to step up and run for Mayor of the City of New Orleans.”

Bill lived a life of purpose, and his journey to strive for excellence opened the door for so many who would go on to make a difference in our city. He founded the public relations and marketing firm Bright Moments in the 1980’s, which was dedicated to the principles of freedom, justice, and equality. As its President and CEO, he led an illustrious career for more than four decades. Through his motto, Speak Truth to the People, Bill fought a fight grounded in hope and optimism for the equitable treatment of all. Bill’s family shared that he lived on the foundation of Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in God, listen to his voice in everywhere you go and everything that you do, and he will lead the way.

We know that today the windows of heaven are open, and the deep abiding love of God is welcoming Bill to receive his spiritual crown of glory for a life well lived and a job well done.  The City of New Orleans sends its heartfelt condolences to the Rouselle family and friends. May he rest in God’s perfect peace.

City of New Orleans

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