Ben & Jerry’s launches flavor in support of voting rights in NC

https://www.facebook.com/CommonCauseNorthCarolina/videos/10154052353701223/

Ben & Jerry’s co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield braved the rain at NC Central University on Tuesday to unveil a new flavor of ice cream in support of voting rights.

Called “Empower Mint,” the flavor’s launch is part of an effort by the ice cream company to promote voter registration in North Carolina and to push for restoring the federal Voting Rights Act.

“North Carolina is justly proud of being first in flight. Let’s not let it be marred by being first in discrimination,” Cohen said. “By releasing this flavor here today, we’re hoping to make North Carolina first in the empowerment of its citizens.”

As part of its voter engagement efforts, Ben & Jerry’s is partnering with several groups, including the NC NAACP and Common Cause North Carolina.

“Ben & Jerry’s is at its best when it uses its voice to talk about injustice and also smart enough to partner with local groups on the ground who are actually doing the work,” Greenfield said.

The event at NCCU was followed by Ben & Jerry’s providing the public with free “Empower Mint” ice cream and free tickets to the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro on Thursday.

More information on Ben & Jerry’s democracy work in North Carolina and around the nation can be found at benjerry.com/democracy.