LOS ANGELES – Louis Gossett, Jr. was honored Saturday night with a Life Achievement Award at the Pan African Film and Arts Festival Night of Tribute. The actor, who won a Best Supporting Oscar for ‘An Officer and a Gentleman,’ has had a long and prestigious career, appearing in over 100 films and numerous television shows.

‘Here I still stand,’ said Gossett, Jr., 69.

Instead of talking about his acting career, Gossett Jr. took the time to address the growing gang violence in Los Angeles. ‘Let us drop the weapons this summer and return to our ancestors,’ Gossett, Jr. said. Last summer Gossett, Jr. sponsored an anti-violence effort in Los Angeles called One Summer of Peace, which encouraged gang members to drop their weapons for the summer.

Gridiron great Jim Brown also received the Pioneer Award, not for his legendary exploits on the football field, or his turns on the big screen, but for his community work. Former Los Angeles Police Chief Bernard Parks presented Brown with the award.

‘This is how it used to be in the old days,’ Brown said. ‘Black people getting together.’ A documentary on the hall of fame running back’s life was shown the previous evening.

Along with his wife, Brown was accompanied by three former gang members who have joined Brown in his Amer-I-Can program.

Two of today’s stars were also honored: Kimberly Elise and Hill Harper.

Elise received the Beah Richards Award named after the late great Broadway actress. Elise had the privilege of working with Richards in ‘Beloved.’ ‘It’s an honor to receive an award named after her,’ Elise said. ‘I miss her, she became a great friend.’

Harper, who currently plays Dr. Sheldon Hawkes on ‘CSI: NY,’ and has been in such films as ‘Lackawanna Blues’ and ‘He Got Game,’ received the Canada Lee Award.

The award is named for the pioneering black actor.

‘When they called and said they wanted to present me with an award, I was completely taken aback,’ Harper said. ‘This is probably the greatest moment in my career right now.’

Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally received the Community Service Award for his long-time political career in California.

Dymally was the first black to serve in the California State Senate and is currently the assemblyman for the 52nd District.

‘If it weren’t for this man, there would be no Pan African Film Festival,’ said Ayuko Babu, executive director of the PAFF.

The 14th annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival concluded earlier this week.