Key takeaways:

• The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church has gained control of the Proud Boys trademark following a court ruling.
• This ruling is a response to the $2.8 million judgment after the church was vandalized during a December 2020 rally.
• The church aims to leverage this situation to enhance its social justice outreach and community initiatives.

In a landmark ruling, a historic Black church in Washington, D.C. has been awarded rights to the trademark of the extremist group Proud Boys. D.C. Superior Court Judge Tanya Jones Bosier granted the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church control over the trademark following the Proud Boys’ default on a $2.8 million judgment related to the vandalism of the church's property. The decision not only prohibits the Proud Boys from selling any merchandise under their name without consent from the church, but it also allows the church to seek financial recovery from any merchandise sales made without permission according to AP News.

The church is now positioned to fight back against the hate symbolized by the Proud Boys, as its pastor, Rev. William H. Lamar IV, emphasized the significance of this ruling: “For the first time in our nation's history, a Black institution owns property of a white supremacist group.” He urged the community to stand against hate and support the church’s mission, indicating plans for new social justice initiatives reported NPR.

The church’s efforts were precipitated by a series of violent events during a pro-Trump rally in December 2020, during which members of the Proud Boys vandalized a Black Lives Matter sign outside the church. Lead member Enrique Tarrio, who previously acknowledged his involvement in these actions, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for leading the January 6 Capitol riot. His reaction to the court's decision has been fraught with defiance, suggesting he might create alternative merchandise featuring tongue-in-cheek references to the church per USA Today.

The church plans to use its newfound control to uplift its community, launching projects aimed at addressing various social justice issues, including health disparities and food insecurity. Rev. Lamar stated, “We own the trademark to a violent white supremacist organization, and we intend to take that evil and use it for good.” This emphasis on healing and community action marks a transformative moment for a church steeped in history and resilience reported NPR.

The church, known for its long-standing involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, continues this legacy by seeking to foster dialogues around justice and equality. Moving forward, it is poised as a significant force in D.C.'s social justice landscape.