19/01/2011: Ben & Jerry's has been presented with the Annual Salute to Greatness Award from the Martin Luther King Junior Center for Non-violent Social Change in the US.
Commitment to social responsibility
The accolade is one of the organisation’s highest honours, presented to individuals and businesses to recognise their contributions towards social justice, world peace and improving the quality of life for all. Recipients must exemplify excellence in leadership and have demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility in the spirit of legendary civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ben & Jerry's founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield followed in the footsteps of broadcaster Oprah Winfrey, U2 frontman Bono and poet Maya Angelou, accepting the prestigious award on 15 January 2011.
Embracing peace & non-violence
Describing the prize as ‘an incredible and humbling honour’, Jerry said: “We grew up at a time when Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most significant figures of our generation. He inspired us to embrace peace and non-violence. To be recognised, not only as individuals, but for the work of Ben & Jerry’s as a company is really one of the most significant moments in my life.”
“I can think of no greater honour that for us all to commit to peace, non-violence and to continue to hold our leaders accountable to these principles in Martin Luther King Jr’s memory,” added Ben.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change is dedicated to research, education and training in the principles, philosophy and methods of non-violence.