From Vandalism to Victory: How The Metropolitan AME Church Took Down the Proud Boys—And Took Their Name

"The Proud Boys" name now owned by this Black Church : )

In the heart of Washington, D.C., stands The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church—a 19th-century spiritual stronghold that has weathered centuries of injustice, activism, and transformation. But in December 2020, the historic Black church faced a new kind of attack when members of the far-right extremist group known as the Proud Boys tore down and destroyed its Black Lives Matter banner during a pro-Trump rally.

This act wasn’t just vandalism. It was a calculated display of racial hatred meant to intimidate and insult. The incident evoked painful echoes of America's dark past—when violence against Black churches was used as a weapon of fear. But instead of retreating, The Metropolitan AME Church responded with strength, faith, and legal firepower. And nearly four years later, they’ve turned that attack into a historic triumph.

The Legal Battle Begins

Following the 2020 incident, The Metropolitan AME Church filed a civil lawsuit against the Proud Boys organization and several of its leaders, including founder Enrique Tarrio. Represented by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the church charged the group with conspiracy and violations of D.C.'s laws against bias-related crimes.

But this case wasn't just about property damage—it was about accountability. It was about drawing a line in the sand to say that hate will not go unchallenged, especially not in the capital of a nation still reckoning with its racial history.

A Monumental Win in the D.C. Superior Court

Fast forward to 2024, and the court has issued a resounding verdict in favor of The Metropolitan AME Church. In a decision that goes beyond mere monetary damages, the D.C. Superior Court awarded the church ownership of something symbolic, powerful, and previously unthinkable: the Proud Boys’ name and trademarks.

Yes, you read that right. As part of the judgment, the Proud Boys were ordered to hand over their intellectual property—including their name, logos, and branding assets—to the very institution they tried to intimidate. In one bold legal move, the church stripped the group of its identity and transformed it into a tool for truth and justice.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a courtroom win—it’s a cultural and spiritual victory. The Proud Boys’ name, once associated with violence, racism, and insurrection, is now in the hands of a church that has stood for community, resistance, and the liberation of Black people since 1838.

The court’s decision sends a clear message: hate-fueled acts have consequences, and institutions built on justice and faith can and will prevail. By taking control of the Proud Boys’ intellectual

property, The Metropolitan AME Church now has the power to legally prevent the group from using its own name and likeness, effectively dismantling a major piece of their public identity.

A Future Rewritten

Imagine this: a group that once roamed the streets tearing down symbols of Black dignity now watches as their name becomes part of a victory narrative led by a Black church. It’s the ultimate redemption arc—one that underscores the power of faith, resilience, and legal advocacy.

As The Metropolitan AME Church continues its mission, it now holds a unique position in the ongoing fight against white supremacy—not just as a sanctuary for worship, but as a symbol of righteous resistance and a reminder that even in the face of hate, justice can prevail.

Let this be a reminder: the tables can turn, and when they do, they turn in favor of truth.