"Ben & Jerry's just explained systemic racism in a mic-dropping statement", 7 Oct 2016

In a [recent] statement, Ben & Jerry’s team broke down why black lives matter. Their commitment to social justice and political responsibility isn’t new. The ice cream tycoons have long worked toward addressing systemic injustice with social consciousness. In April 2016, the co-founders were arrested outside the U.S. capitol while taking part in a “Democracy Awakening” protest...” They’ve also made strides in ensuring that the farmers who help produce the ingredients...are treated fairly. And in January 2015, they committed to using fair-trade certified ingredients, such as sugar, coffee, and bananas. Ben & Jerry’s has also been...a vocal proponent of LGBTQ rights. (In 1989, [they were] the first major company in Vermont to offer health insurance to same-sex couples and employees’ domestic partners.)...Their support of the Black Lives Matter movement is an example for companies like Air Academy Federal Credit Union, who dropped Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall for peacefully protesting police brutality and injustice. Instead of cowering to those who are uncomfortable with reality, Ben & Jerry’s is using its platform to amplify the voices of the unheard and ask that the status quo be changed.  This matters because when major companies, celebrities, politicians, and other recognizable faces go against the grain and stand up against inequality, they become up-standers that can ultimately affect real, positive change in the communities that need it most.