Funeral services announced for New Orleans ‘communications trailblazer’ William Rouselle Jr.

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Funeral arrangements have been announced for New Orleans political strategist William “Bill” Rouselle Jr.

It was announced on Sunday, July 21, that Rousselle died peacefully at the age of 77 in his Uptown New Orleans home.

To celebrate Rousselle’s life and legacy, family and friends will hold a memorial service on Saturday, Aug 3, on what would have been his 78th birthday.

Services will be at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church on 8282 Interstate 10 Service Road with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. and services starting at 12:30 p.m.

The family is asking that instead of sending flowers, to make a donation to Black Education for New Orleans or the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.

Rousselle is the founder of Bright Moments public relations, marketing and advertising agency.

Additionally, he is a 1967 graduate of Xavier University who also became “the first African American on-air news reporter in New Orleans” a year after graduation.

Throughout his career, he’s held positions such as deputy director of the Human Relations Committee at City Hall, Director of the Parent Community Alliance and “headed Ad Hoc Committee for Accountable Police.”

During his years as a political strategist, Rouselle worked on the campaigns of candidates including Dorothy Mae Taylor, Mary Landrieu, Ray Nagin, Mitch Landrieu and LaToya Cantrell.

His work is what earned him the title of “communications and community trailblazer” who, according to New Orleans officials, “set standards and broke barriers for African Americans in the communications industry.”

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter .

Latest Posts

• Republican Arizona mayor backs Harris over Trump, evoking McCain
• AMLO calls on Sinaloa cartel to ‘turn its back’ on violence after arrest of leaders
• ‘White Dudes for Harris’ call raises over $4 million
• Trump planning to attend, host Q&A at Black journalists’ convention in Chicago
• Olympic qualifying wasn’t the first time Biles tweaked an injury. That’s simply gymnastics

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.