Baton Rouge Declares Day of Mourning for Senator Larry Selders

Baton Rouge officials declared Friday, July 10, an official day of mourning following the sudden death of Larry Selders, a Louisiana State Senator, at the age of 44. The city paused typical operations to honor the lawmaker's contributions to the region and the state.

Selders was recognized for his legislative work in Louisiana, specifically for authoring the state's Juneteenth holiday and leading initiatives to expand mental health access within schools. These efforts established him as a proponent of civil rights and youth wellness throughout his tenure in the state senate.

Community members and colleagues gathered Friday morning to remember the senator's impact. Brandon Powell, a member of the Omega Psi Phi Inc. fraternity and associate of Selders, characterized him as a "politician for the people" and spoke about Selders' personal dedication to his sons.

The loss of the senator leaves a void in the legislative push for school-based health services in Louisiana. A funeral service for Selders is scheduled for Tuesday at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church to allow family, colleagues, and constituents to pay their final respects.