20th January, 2017
On the day the next president of the USA takes office, we want to send a message of hope to all in society - let's build bridges, not walls!
Had you gone looking for the Ben & Jerry's team this morning, you would have found us standing on the edge of a bridge somewhere in London. Not throwing our fishing rods into the thames, but standing in solidarity with those worried by the current state of politics.
A Divided Society
Whatever you think of the new American president, it's clear that his politics have surfaced at a time when people seem to be increasingly divided - both in the US and here in the UK. Some of the most vulnerable people are being blamed for society's problems, with groups being pitted against each other. People are being marginalised based on their nationality, race or religion - and that just doesn't fly with us!
Let's Build Bridges
So, in the name of unity, love and compassion, we joined our pals at Bridges Not Walls to speak out against hate division. Taking inspiration from a Martin Luther King Jr quote, Bridges Not Walls is a group of volunteers working with people up and down the country to act for a positive future. At a time where politicians speak of wanting to build walls, our friends want to build bridges - which we think is pretty awesome.
Ready, Set... Drop!
This morning, alongside people on more than 150 bridges across three continents, we dropped a banner to send a simple, hopeful and unmistakeable message: we will build bridges, not walls, in support of a peaceful and just world, rid of opression and hatred.
One Sweet World
We don't live in a one flavour world and here at Ben & Jerry's we believe it's possible to all live peacefully in One Sweet World. Today was an important day to speak out and show that there are people willing to work with each other, stand up for each other and celebrate each other - no matter what our differences, beause just like ice cream - we come in all flavours.
To find out more about the Bridges Not Walls movement, visit their website here!