19/05/2024
It's with great sadness that we give a last long wave to our friend and colleague, David Burke.
I met him first in 2012 when he and his wife/life partner/creative team-mate Joanne were starting out making what would become their much appreciated documentary series on African Americans in the City of Light, and films 'Paris Noir' and 'Fighting For Respect'.
They'd chosen Paris over New York in 1986 and David packed an impressive resume : Yale graduate, producer for CBS's '60 Minutes'. Together they formed their Blue Lion Film company and traveled the world, bringing to light stories of innovative women from SouthEast Asia, Africa, South America.
David wielded the camera and an eloquent pen. He also wrote several travel books, including the highly praised 'Writers in Paris', which evolved into wonderful tours that always lasted longer than the brochure said - people just kept hanging onto his every word and story. I still refer to his book when I need the nitty-gritty on this city of literary lights.
Illness took him out of the spotlight these past few years but I hold fast to the memory of this man who was so affable, warm, kind, mentally nimble, and fun-loving.
Until we meet again, Friend.
