Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay has become the first Black woman to be featured on Ben & Jerry’s ice cream pint.
According to NBC News, Ben & Jerry’s announced the release of its newest flavor, “Lights! Caramel! Action! directed by Ava DuVernay” on Dec. 6. The ice cream pint, consisting of vanilla ice cream, salted caramel swirls, graham cracker swirls and chocolate chip cookie dough, features an image of the famed filmmaker on its packaging. She reportedly curated the flavor’s creation, which is set to be available in both milk and non-dairy versions, and the pints will begin shipping nationwide in January 2023.
“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,” Ava said in a statement. “Partnering with Ben & Jerry’s, a company that I’ve long admired for their commitment to social justice, has been a thrill ride. I had the opportunity to work with food scientists to create a flavor with all the ingredients that I personally love for a cause close to my heart. Beyond being downright delicious, proceeds from further its non-profit mission of inclusion and belonging in the film and TV industries. A worthy and delicious endeavor.”
Ben & Jerry’s CEO, Matthew McCarthy, additionally shared that the company is “humbled” by its partnership with the 50-year-old.
“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,” Matthew said in a statement. “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.”
Proceeds from “Lights! Caramel! Action! directed by Ava DuVernay” will go towards Ava’s non-profit Array Alliance. Founded in 2011, Array Alliance’s mission is to highlight the work of minority and female directors. As such, her partnership with Ben Jerry’s isn’t a limited-edition flavor but a continual release.
