The Bill Rouselle Black Is Brilliant Memorial Fund

Honoring a life spent speaking truth, building power and believing in our people

William “Bill” Rouselle Jr. was a trailblazer, truth-teller, strategist, mentor and beloved member of the BE NOLA family.

Bill dedicated his life to improving the conditions of Black people in New Orleans. From breaking barriers as one of the city’s first Black television news reporters to shaping movements, institutions and generations of leaders, he understood the power of information, education and collective action. As a founding champion and longtime board member of BE NOLA, Bill believed deeply in our mission to build the capacity of Black-led efforts advancing educational progress in New Orleans. He was a constant source of wisdom, encouragement and joyful possibility. He pushed us to remain courageous, protect our democracy and never stop working toward the future our children deserve. The Bill Rouselle Black Is Brilliant Memorial Fund was established to carry that commitment forward.

Gifts to the fund support BE NOLA’s advocacy and curriculum work, helping Black educators, Black-led schools and community leaders equip the next generation with the knowledge, cultural grounding and critical-thinking skills necessary to shape their communities and their world. Bill taught us that even when the challenges seem insurmountable, we keep pushing. Through this fund, his lessons, his optimism and his commitment to Black educational excellence will continue to move through New Orleans for generations to come.

Continue Bill’s Legacy

Your gift honors Bill’s extraordinary life and invests in the people and ideas he believed in so fiercely. Together, we will continue speaking truth, cultivating Black brilliance and building the future Bill knew was possible.

Make a gift to the Bill Rouselle Black Is Brilliant Memorial Fund.

Black Is Brilliant Fund in Loving Memory of Bill Rouselle

Team Members