Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., has hosted funerals for Rosa Parks and Frederick Douglass and welcomed American presidents.

After a pro-Donald Trump rally in December 2020, Proud Boys destroyed Black Lives Matter signs at two historically Black churches during a violent night in the city.

“The act of destroying these signs was not just alcohol-lubricated, infantile frat-boy stuff,” said the Rev. William H. Lamar IV, Metropolitan’s pastor.

“This is a softer version of cross-burning, designed to keep us quiet,” he said.

It was political intimidation, according to Lamar. A judge awarded the church $2.8 million in damages in 2023, condemning the Proud Boys’ “hateful and overtly racist conduct.”

In February, after the Proud Boys didn’t pay, the court gave the church use of the group’s name and symbols — seen on its black-and-yellow gear and laurel wreath logo.

  • hopesdead@startrek.website
    14·
    23 hours ago

    Trump: I am very pleased with the patriotic actions of the Proud Boys…

    AG: Sir. They had to give up their trademark to a Black church.

    Trump: I am very upset with the anti-American actions of the Proud Boys…

    Probably something like this.