Ben & Jerry's has taken a pointed stand on issues surrounding policing and race in the country.
The ice cream company said, "Black lives matter."
Ben & Jerry's posted a tweet Thursday, saying ,"Choosing to be silent in the face of such injustice is not an option."
The tweet linked to a blog post on the Ben & Jerry's website that discussed the reasons why the company made the choice to make the statement.
Black Lives Matter. Choosing to be silent in the face of such injustice is not an option. https://t.co/6Vy0KHJeKU #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/pK96teLRhd
— Ben & Jerry's (@benandjerrys) October 6, 2016
"It's been hard to watch the list of unarmed Black Americans killed by law enforcement officers grow longer and longer. We understand that numerous Black Americans and white Americans have profoundly different experiences and outcomes with law enforcement and the criminal justice system," the post said. "That's why it's become clear to us at Ben & Jerry's that we have a moral obligation to take a stand now for justice and for Black lives."
The company made it clear that the statement did not mean that it blames individual officers or that lives of those in law enforcement don't matter.
"All lives do matter," the company said. "But all lives will not matter until Black lives matter."
Twitter users praised the brand for speaking out and said they would support the company by buying its ice cream.
This is great. I'm really happy to see your company take a stand!
— steev (@OkSteev) October 6, 2016
thank you for being on the correct side of history, and also for inventing chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. 😍
— Thighrie Irving (@Aphrothighty) October 6, 2016
Some on Twitter were upset with the brand's stance.
never going to buy Ben & Jerry's again.
— James Black (@james_black81) October 6, 2016
thanks for saving me money by keeping you out of my freezer
— Justin (@JTK1985) October 6, 2016
The post ended by asking those reading "not to reflexively retreat to our current beliefs" and to begin "putting aside preconceived notions and truly seeking to understand and grow."
Cox Media Group




