BE NOLA Mourns the Loss of William 'Bill' Rouselle, Jr.: Trailblazing Advocate, Founding Board Member, and Black Education Champion

BE NOLA mourns the loss of our beloved founding board member, William "Bill" Rouselle, Jr., who passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Bill was a tireless advocate for public education and a champion for the Black community in New Orleans.

Adrinda Kelly, Executive Director of BE NOLA, shares:

“Bill was a fierce public education advocate who believed in the brilliance of Black people in New Orleans and the power of community to meet the needs of our children. He showed us how to never stop fighting for what is right, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. His faith, optimism and hope will continue to be a guiding light for us as we move forward."

Bill's favorite poem, "Speak truth to the people" by Mari Evans, reflected his life's mission. This commitment to truth-telling and community empowerment was evident in all his work, including his efforts with BE NOLA.

Stevona Elem-Rogers, Chief of Community Partnerships, reflects on Bill's impact:

"Bill Rouselle was a trailblazer and community champion who loved New Orleans with his entire being. Bill broke many barriers, but his most notable was his role as WDSU's first Black on-air reporter. He used to talk about his first day at work - April 4, 1968 - when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and this day lit a fire in him because he always pushed for people-centered policies. But Bill was more than his accolades. He was a poet, an arts advocate, and a source of joy in challenging times. Bill reminded us to find meaning and laughter in our work."

In recent years, Bill focused on the critical importance of education content and its role in shaping future generations. He believed that alongside academic skills, schools must prioritize transferring culture and values. Bill was passionate about ensuring Black children know their history, understand their place in the world, and recognize their responsibilities to the community.

Bill's vision for the future of New Orleans was both hopeful and pragmatic. He understood the challenges facing our city but remained optimistic about our ability to create positive change through education and civic engagement. Bill always emphasized the importance of voting and playing the long game.

As Chair of BE NOLA's Nominating Committee and past Board Treasurer, Bill's contributions to our organization were immeasurable. He was always ready to lend his expertise, whether it was through planning community events, being a face of our Black Brilliance campaign, or serving on the advisory council for our Black Is Brilliant Institute.

Bill's legacy will continue to guide BE NOLA's efforts. We are committed to carrying forward his vision of a city where every child has the opportunity to thrive and the richness of Black culture and history is celebrated in our schools.

To Bill's family and loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences. New Orleans has lost a giant, but we have gained a mighty ancestor. We are profoundly grateful for Bill's service, his mentorship, and his unwavering belief in the potential of our community.

May Bill's memory be a blessing to all of us.

Adrinda Kelly is the Founding Executive Director of Black Education For New Orleans (BE NOLA). Click here to explore the work BE NOLA is doing to ignite the Black brilliance that exists in schools and neighborhoods through initiatives like the Black Is Brilliant Summit and Black Is Brilliant Institute founded by BE NOLA's Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships, Stevona Elem-Rogers.