A Tribute to My Friend by Wendy Brown Scott
I’ll never forget
the day I met David Gelfand. After accepting a position on the faculty,
I come to NOLA in April 1989 to look for housing. (Having lived in NYC
for 11 years I knew it would take months to find a place to live –
it took 4 days!) While at the Law School, I heard that David was looking
for me. He knew from my resume that I had been involved in City Charter
revisions in NY – so had he. In his characteristic fast-talking
style he came out of his office with an arm full of papers talking about
Charter Revision, getting together and then dashing off!. “Wow,”
I thought, this one talks faster than John Kramer!”
This was the beginning of a long and precious friendship. David got me
involved in all kinds of work, designed to preserve racial and gender
equality in the City of New Orleans. He worked hard and played hard. He
loved his wife Mary of almost 34 years and adored his daughter Katie.
He cared for his mother with the kind of devotion I pray my son will have
for me. His relationship with Andrea Brigalia – his assistant for
many years – was special. He respected and protected her; and she
kept him straight!
David’s credentials are impeccable. Yet despite his stellar accomplishments,
David never retreated to the lofty ivy tower. Instead, he chose to affirmatively
seek out ways to advancing our rights to free speech, freedom of religion,
equality and due process...Prior to his untimely death, David founded
From the Lake to the River Foundation to get the Tulane community involved
in providing legal help to the citizens of New Orleans. Of course he just
knew that I would want to be involved. (David didn’t ask, he assigned!)
And so he called me in early September. Those early days following the
evacuation were hectic and so I begged off the Steering Committee. But
in talking with David I was inspired to propose the Disaster Relief &
Recovery course as my contribution to the cause.
I miss David. We who had the privilege of knowing him will always miss
him. But the best way to honor David is to “do justly and love mercy.”
We owe him and this City no less.
- January 22, 2006
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