Publications
Publications
- October 2017
- HBS Case Collection
Still Leading (B10): Louis Gossett Jr.— A New Role Erasing Racism
By: Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Ai-Ling Jamila Malone
Abstract
Louis (Lou) Gossett Jr.’s exemplary life included a groundbreaking career in entertainment and a bold and audacious goal to erase racism. From the Broadway stage to television and the movie screen, Gossett earned major accolades in his field, notably becoming the first African American man to win an Oscar (Academy Award) for Best Supporting Actor for his moving portrayal as Sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman in 1982. Despite his accomplished Hollywood career, as an African-American male he was subjected to constant discrimination in the industry and in society. Amidst the duality of success and distress in his life, Gossett forged a meaningful life path, marked by resilience and perseverance. In 2006, his desire to make an even greater impact led him to create the Eracism Foundation. Eracism was defined as “the removal from existence of the belief that one race, one culture, one people is superior to another.”
Keywords
Leadership; Advanced Leadership Initiative; Advanced Leadership; Change; Transition; Entrepreneurship; Social Entrepreneurship; Philanthropy and Charitable Giving; Prejudice and Bias
Citation
Kanter, Rosabeth Moss, and Ai-Ling Jamila Malone. "Still Leading (B10): Louis Gossett Jr.— A New Role Erasing Racism." Harvard Business School Case 318-053, October 2017.