Ava DuVernay on Ben & Jerry’s makes a historical mark as the first Black woman to have her image on a Ben & Jerry’s pint. The ice cream company unveiled its newest production – and delicious partnership with Ava DuVernay.
The Ben & Jerry’s company announced “Lights! Caramel! Action!” directed by Ava DuVernay. The ice cream collection features an ensemble cast of vanilla ice cream, salted caramel swirls, graham cracker swirls, and gobs of chocolate chip cookie dough. Ice cream and almond milk-based Non-Dairy versions of the flavor will begin shipping across the country in January 2023.
According to Essence, Ava’s “Lights! Caramel! Action!” ice cream proceeds will benefit her non-profit ARRAY Alliance. She founded the foundation in 2011. The “Saturday Night Life” producer has a mission to amplify and elevate the work of artists of color and women. This included directors, create inclusive film sets, and provide grants. As well as mentorship, and education for people from underrepresented communities who want to work in the film industry.
The organization won a Peabody Award.
Chosen by the Peabody Board of Jurors, the Institutional Award spotlights groups, outlets and specific projects “for their enduring body of work and their iconic impact on both the media landscape and the public imagination,” according to the Peabodys themselves.
At that time Duvernay stated, “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I truly treasure the Peabody because of the way in which it is determined, said Array founder Ava DuVernay on Tuesday as she and the decade-old collective were unveiled as this year’s recipient of the Peabody’s Institutional Award.
Check out Ava DuVernay on Ben & Jerry’s below.
Citing the “tremendous honor,” the Oscar-nominated director (and recent Yale honorary Doctor of the Arts, among a trophy case of recognition) went on to note that “the body that decides this honor is diverse, in cultural background, but also in professional expertise and areas of interest. It’s just a beautiful honor.”
Duvernay’s certified taste now meets the mouths of many. Speaking on the ice cream she said, “Ice cream is a simple joy of life. A comfort food that I’ve turned to on many days – making sunny ones brighter and dark ones sweeter.”
She continues, “Partnering with Ben & Jerry’s, a company I’ve long admired for their commitment to social justice, has been a thrill ride.
I worked with food scientists to create a flavor with all the ingredients I love.” Additionally stating, “for a cause close to my heart. Beyond being downright delicious, proceeds from “Lights! Caramel! Action!” will help ARRAY Alliance further its non-profit mission of inclusion and belonging in the film and TV industries. A worthy and delicious endeavor.”
“Framing this up as a new flavor for the first Black woman to be a featured partner on our pints doesn’t do Ava justice,” said Matthew McCarthy, Ben & Jerry’s CEO. “We are humbled by this partnership, impressed by her work sharing not only the struggle but the joy in the justice, and we are inspired by her commitment and vision,” added McCarthy.
