In a perfect world, all lives matter. In our current world, all lives should matter when it comes to police brutality – but the fact of the matter is, they don’t. Especially for Black people. People who don’t agree with that statement, feel free to exit stage left. Because I don’t think you don’t get it – I think you don’t want to acknowledge it. And by not acknowledging the injustice, you are a part of the problem. Ice cream powerhouse brand Ben & Jerry’s says Black Lives Matter too, and posted, not one, but two articles on their site recently regarding this issue.
Not only am I here for their non-dairy ice cream options, I’m here for them really taking a clear stance on the issues of systemic racism. In the article Why Black Lives Matter, Ben & Jerry’s says what supports of the Black Lives Matter movement have been trying to get All Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter folks to understand.
“We believe that saying Black lives matter is not to say that the lives of those who serve in the law enforcement community don’t…But we do believe that — whether Black, brown, white, or blue — our nation and our very way of life is dependent on the principle of all people being served equal justice under the law. And it’s clear, the effects of the criminal justice system are not color blind.”
“All lives do matter. But all lives will not matter until Black lives matter. We ask people to be open to understanding these issues, and not to reflexively retreat to our current beliefs. Change happens when people are willing to listen and hear the struggles of their neighbor, putting aside preconceived notions and truly seeking to understand and grow.”
Ben & Jerry’s also gets to it with another article 7 Ways We Know Systemic Racism is Real. Just because Jeezy’s president is Black and his Lambo is blue, doesn’t mean racism is a done deal. In the article, Ben & Jerry’s show how racism may not exist in some individuals, but systems in our society that were built to elevate one race are still in existence and thriving. Those are wealth, employment, education, criminal justice, housing, surveillance, and healthcare.
I hope that by brands like Ben & Jerry’s who have a broad customer base of ethnicities continue to speak up. Maybe if comes from the friendly folks at an ice cream company instead of the ‘angry Black people’ you’ll listen. Listen, not to refute, but to understand.
Hi, I’m Jonna. Welcome to naturally-glam.com where I share how I balance my life as a mother, wife, and influencer.
Ive read the first article;however, didnt know about the 2nd one. Im off to read, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hurray for Ben and Jerry! I was so stoked when l read the article. Good for them. I hope people listen and rethink. I knew there was a reason l always loved their ice cream 🙂
Yes, I really hope people think about what they said.
Yassss Ben & Jerry!!! I went out and bought some of their ice cream because of this. I support those who support us!
Exactly!
Girl we gotta all abandon our diets in support. I’m about to get the FULL DAIRY versions and support! lol I have never been so happy about supporting ice cream lol.
Girl that non-dairy ice cream is just as bad lol just dairy free. But yes, I’ll be buying a few myself
Glad they spoke up, a lot a big companies don’t. I might just go and buy a pint of their Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream : )
I love Ben&Jerry for these and I believe the only way to make everyone comprehend this is for companies with a big audience take a stand and make it plain.
Those resisting will never listen to black people, so here is when we need allies and everyone should speak up.
http://www.distinguisheddiva.com/2016/10/a-seat-at-table.html
I saw them and I was so proud to see them be so bold and honest in their feelings. I love when brands aren’t afraid to say it like they mean it. I need to find my local B&J and bless them with my coins and thanks them for joining the movement.
I was super excited to see Ben & Jerry come out with their feelings. I have heard minor backlash; however, it is definitely important that we support them.
This is huge. It validates of all with skin that is brown. I’m not one for ice cream, but I will purchase a cone or two in favor of Ben and Jerry’s they are definitely a company I want to support.
Ben & Jerry’s won my heart with their support of #BlackLivesMatter. I bought 2 pints of ice cream this week and will continue to support them from now on! Racism is very real and it’s not something most brands are willing to talk about unfortunately.
I retweeted some of the #BenandJerrysNewFlavors and people are so creative. I think they already made a new Flavor just in time for the new election and I hope they make many more in support of BLM!
I saw this news about Ben & Jerry’s. Thanks for covering the details. I’m off to buy some dairy-free sugar-free Been & Jerry’s ice cream!