In December 2020, white supremacists, including members of the Proud Boys, marched through Washington, D.C., and defaced the Black Lives Matter sign of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. This act of vandalism was more than property damage—it was an attempt to intimidate a historic Black church with a legacy of justice. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the church faced this attack with resolve, reaffirming its commitment to liberation and service.
Legal Victory Strips Proud Boys of Their Trademark
Metropolitan AME took legal action, suing the Proud Boys for trespassing and vandalism. In June 2023, the church won a $2.8 million default judgment against the hate group. However, the Proud Boys have not paid the damages. The church successfully gained control of the Proud Boys’ trademark, strategically cutting off a major funding source. Any money the group earns from merchandise sales legally belongs to the church unless permission is granted.
A Historic Reversal of Power
This legal decision is a symbolic and material shift in power. A Black church, once targeted by white supremacists, now owns the branding of the very group that sought to silence it. This outcome echoes biblical justice traditions, such as Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:20, where harm intended by others is turned for good. The church sees this as a modern example of reclaiming power from oppression and using it for liberation.
The Black Church’s Role in Resistance
Metropolitan AME has long been a beacon of resistance. From the Civil Rights Movement to its present-day advocacy for food security, affordable housing, and climate justice, the church continues to fight systemic oppression. The theology sustaining this work is rooted in liberation, rejecting fear as a tool of control. The church remains steadfast in its mission, knowing that history shows every step toward justice faces resistance.
A Call to Action Against Oppression
The church’s victory extends beyond its congregation. It is a win for all who oppose white supremacy and Christian nationalism. The fight for justice is ongoing, and Metropolitan AME calls on others to resist injustice in their ways—through advocacy, truth-telling, and unwavering commitment to liberation.
My pastor stood firm, reminding us that God is still with us. He didn’t flinch when he said, “We will not be silenced.” And we weren’t. We did not cower. We did not retreat. Instead, we kept doing what we have always done: worshiping, liberating, and serving — trusting in a God who bends the arc of the universe toward justice. We remained steadfast in our calling as the Cathedral of African Methodism, refusing to lose heart in the face of white supremacy.
Source:
My Black Church Now Owns a Racist Logo
Image: Anthony Crider on Wikimedia
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