Ben & Jerry's Releases Strong Pro-Black Lives Matter Statement

Ice cream giant Ben & Jerry's has issued a strong statement in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. In doing so, the company has generated both intense praise as well as dissent from its customers, depending on how they view the protest group. In a statement on the Ben & Jerry's website, the company requests that its customers "join us in not being complicit." The decision to support Black Lives Matter is regarded as "a moral obligation to take a stand now." 

Underneath a large image of BLACK LIVES MATTER written in Ben & Jerry's signature font, the statement explains why Black lives should indeed matter to all Americans. "They matter because they are children, brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers." 

"They matter because the injustices they face steal from all of us — white people and people of color alike. They steal our very humanity." 

Later in the letter, the company explains that its support of Black Lives Matter does not equate to any ill will toward law enforcement. There is also a synopsis of why, at this current juncture, the plight of Black people needs to be focused on more so than the All Lives Matter movement, which has, strangely enough, emerged as a reactionary faction to Black Lives Matter. "All lives do matter. But all lives will not matter until Black lives matter," reads the statement. 

Ben & Jerry's has had a history of voicing its support for various political causes, such as gay rights and tackling global warming. In light of its statement on Black Lives Matter, the hashtag "Ben & Jerry's New Flavor" has begun to trend, with the imagined flavors (often hilariously) incorporating easily recognizable quips relating to Black culture.