Ben Cohen: From Ice Cream Mogul to Social Justice Champion

Published on: May 15, 2025

Ben Cohen: More Than Just Ice Cream

Ben Cohen, best known as the co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, is more than just a successful entrepreneur. His journey from a tie-dyed ice cream maker to a vocal political activist is a testament to his commitment to social justice and using business as a force for good. This article delves into the life and multifaceted career of Ben Cohen, exploring his early life, the rise of Ben & Jerry's, and his subsequent transition to a prominent figure in political activism.

Early Life and Influences

Born in Merrick, Long Island, New York, in 1951, Ben Cohen's upbringing laid the foundation for his later values. He met Jerry Greenfield in seventh-grade gym class, marking the beginning of a lifelong friendship and business partnership. Ben struggled academically, finding more interest in creative pursuits. He attended Colgate University for a short period before dropping out, eventually graduating from Skidmore College with a focus on pottery making. It was during these formative years that Ben developed a strong sense of community and a desire to make a positive impact on the world. He held various unconventional jobs, including working as a crafts teacher and an emergency room cashier, each contributing to his understanding of different societal realities.

The Seeds of Social Consciousness

While Ben's early life didn't explicitly point toward political activism, it instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a desire to challenge the status quo. The social and political climate of the 1960s and 70s, with its focus on civil rights, anti-war protests, and counter-cultural movements, undoubtedly influenced Ben's worldview. This burgeoning social consciousness would later become a driving force behind his business decisions and his forays into political activism.

The Birth of Ben & Jerry's

In 1978, Ben and Jerry decided to pursue a business venture together. After considering options like bagel making, they opted for ice cream, a decision influenced by the high cost of bagel-making equipment and a correspondence course they took in ice cream production from Penn State. With a combined investment of $12,000, they opened their first ice cream scoop shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont.

A Recipe for Success: Quality Ice Cream and Social Mission

Ben & Jerry's quickly gained popularity for its rich, chunky ice cream and its commitment to using high-quality ingredients. However, what truly set them apart was their dedication to a social mission that intertwined business success with social and environmental responsibility. They adopted a three-part mission statement:

Product Mission: To make, distribute & sell the finest quality all natural ice cream & euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and its Environment.
Economic Mission: To operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders & expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees.
Social Mission: To operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally & internationally.

This innovative approach, known as "caring capitalism," resonated with consumers and helped propel Ben & Jerry's to national prominence. They sourced ingredients from local farmers, supported fair trade practices, and donated a portion of their profits to charitable causes. This commitment to social responsibility became an integral part of the Ben & Jerry's brand identity.

Early Activism Through Business

Even in the early days of Ben & Jerry's, Ben Cohen used the company as a platform for activism. They created ice cream flavors with political messages, such as "Peace Pops" to promote peace and "Cherry Garcia," named after the Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, to support the band's charitable endeavors. They also launched campaigns to raise awareness about issues like rainforest deforestation and nuclear disarmament. This early activism laid the groundwork for Ben's later, more direct involvement in political causes.

The Sale to Unilever and a New Chapter

In 2000, Ben & Jerry's was acquired by Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company. While the sale was controversial, Ben and Jerry negotiated an agreement that maintained the company's social mission and independence. A new board of directors was created with a specific mandate to protect Ben & Jerry's commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Despite the acquisition, Ben Cohen remained committed to his values and continued to use his influence to advocate for social change.

Post-Unilever Activism: A Focus on Political Reform

After the sale to Unilever, Ben Cohen shifted his focus from business-driven activism to more direct political involvement. He founded several organizations and initiatives aimed at addressing a range of social and political issues. He dedicated his time and resources to promoting campaign finance reform, reducing military spending, and advocating for criminal justice reform.

Key Activist Initiatives

Ben Cohen's activism is characterized by his creative and unconventional approaches. He often uses humor and attention-grabbing tactics to raise awareness about important issues. Some of his most notable initiatives include:

TrueMajority and TrueMajority Action

Ben Cohen founded TrueMajority, later renamed TrueMajority Action, an organization dedicated to promoting progressive policies and reducing the influence of corporate money in politics. The organization aimed to empower ordinary citizens to engage in the political process and hold elected officials accountable. TrueMajority advocated for issues such as universal healthcare, environmental protection, and campaign finance reform.

Stamp Stampede

Stamp Stampede is perhaps one of Ben Cohen's most creative and impactful initiatives. It encourages people to stamp messages on dollar bills to raise awareness about the need to overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, which allows unlimited corporate spending in elections. The idea is that these stamped bills will circulate throughout the economy, spreading the message and stimulating conversations about campaign finance reform. The Stamp Stampede uses a unique approach to reach a broad audience and challenge the influence of money in politics.

The Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities

Recognizing the excessive spending on military endeavors, Ben Cohen co-founded Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities. This organization brings together business leaders who believe that the United States should prioritize investments in education, healthcare, and other social programs over military spending. The group advocates for a more balanced budget that reflects the nation's true needs and priorities.

American Values Agenda

The American Values Agenda is an initiative that advocates for policies aligned with what Ben Cohen perceives as core American values: fairness, equality, and opportunity. The organization supports a range of progressive causes, including income equality, climate change action, and criminal justice reform.

Ben Cohen's Activism: A Case Study

To better understand Ben Cohen's activist philosophy and methods, let's examine a specific case study: his involvement in the fight for campaign finance reform.

The Campaign Finance Reform Crusade

Ben Cohen has been a vocal advocate for campaign finance reform for many years. He believes that the current system, which allows unlimited corporate spending in elections, corrupts the political process and gives undue influence to wealthy donors. His involvement in this issue includes:

Funding Organizations: He has provided financial support to organizations working to overturn Citizens United and pass campaign finance reform legislation.
Public Speaking: He regularly speaks at rallies, conferences, and other events to raise awareness about the issue.
Creative Activism: The Stamp Stampede is a prime example of his creative approach to campaigning finance reform, making it engaging and accessible for the average person.

Ben's approach to campaign finance reform exemplifies his broader activist philosophy: combining financial support, public advocacy, and creative tactics to challenge powerful interests and promote social change.

Criticism and Controversy

Like any prominent activist, Ben Cohen has faced criticism and controversy. Some critics argue that his activism is hypocritical, given his success in the capitalist system. Others question the effectiveness of his tactics, arguing that they are too unconventional or attention-seeking. The sale of Ben & Jerry's to Unilever drew significant criticism from those who felt it compromised the company's social mission, though Cohen and Greenfield have maintained that the agreement secured the mission's future.

Addressing the Critics

Despite the criticism, Ben Cohen remains steadfast in his commitment to social justice. He argues that using his wealth and platform to advocate for change is a moral imperative. He acknowledges the complexities of working within the capitalist system but believes that businesses can and should be a force for good. He has often stated that he is not against capitalism, but rather for a more equitable and responsible form of capitalism.

The Legacy of Ben Cohen

Ben Cohen's legacy extends far beyond ice cream. He has demonstrated that business can be a powerful tool for social change. His commitment to social justice has inspired countless individuals and organizations to prioritize purpose over profit. He continues to be a vocal advocate for progressive policies and a champion for those who are often marginalized or ignored.

Inspiring a New Generation of Activists

Ben Cohen's journey from ice cream entrepreneur to political activist serves as an inspiration for a new generation of activists who are looking to use their skills and resources to make a positive impact on the world. He has shown that anyone, regardless of their background or profession, can become an agent of change. His story encourages individuals to find creative and unconventional ways to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more just and equitable society.

Key Takeaways from Ben Cohen's Journey

Ben Cohen's life and career offer several key lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, activists, and anyone who wants to make a difference in the world:

Purpose-Driven Business: Building a successful business is possible while remaining true to one's values. A social mission can be a competitive advantage.
Creative Activism: Thinking outside the box and using unconventional tactics can be highly effective in raising awareness and influencing public opinion.
Persistence: Achieving meaningful change requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to face criticism.
Collaboration: Working with like-minded individuals and organizations can amplify impact and create a stronger movement for change.
Authenticity: Remaining true to one's values and beliefs is essential for building trust and credibility.

The Future of Ben Cohen's Activism

At an age where many might consider retirement, Ben Cohen remains actively engaged in various political and social causes. He continues to experiment with new activist strategies and technologies, always seeking ways to amplify his message and reach a wider audience. His unwavering commitment to social justice suggests that he will remain a prominent voice in the progressive movement for years to come. As new challenges arise, Ben Cohen’s innovative approach to activism will continue to evolve, inspiring others to act and advocate for a better world.

Conclusion

Ben Cohen's story is a compelling example of how business success and social activism can be intertwined. From his humble beginnings as an ice cream maker to his current role as a political advocate, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to using his platform to promote social and economic justice. His journey serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs, activists, and anyone who believes in the power of business to create positive change in the world. Ben Cohen's enduring legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come, reminding us that we all have a role to play in building a more just and equitable society.