The Proud Boys Lose Control of Their Trademark to a Black Church After Court Ruling

A Legal Blow to the Far-Right Group

In a significant legal development, the Proud Boys, a far-right group known for its extremist activities, lost control of their trademarked name on Monday, October 2, 2023. A judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that the rights to the name "Proud Boys" would be handed over to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, a historically Black church that was attacked by members of the group in December 2020. This decision is part of a broader effort to hold the Proud Boys accountable for their actions and to provide restitution to the church for the damages it suffered during the attack.

The Backdrop of the Case

The ruling by Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier stems from a $2.8 million default judgment against the Proud Boys, which was entered by a different judge in Washington, D.C., earlier in 2023. The lawsuit was filed by the Metropolitan AME Church, which alleged that members of the Proud Boys vandalized and set fire to its property during a rally in December 2020. The attack was part of a string of violent incidents involving the Proud Boys, who have been linked to various hate crimes and extremist activities across the United States.

Thechurch, a historic and prominent Black church in the nation’s capital, has long been a symbol of resilience and activism in the face of racial injustice. The attack on the church not only caused significant property damage but also sent a chilling message to the congregation and the wider community. The legal victory marks a step toward justice for the church and its members, who have been vocal about their determination to fight against hate and extremism.

The Implications of the Ruling

The court’s decision is a major blow to the Proud Boys, as it strips them of their ability to use their own name without permission. According to the two-page ruling, all interests in the "Proud Boys" trademark will be transferred to the Metropolitan AME Church. This means that the group and its associates must now seek consent from the church before using the name or selling any merchandise bearing it. Additionally, any revenue generated from the use of the trademark must be directed to the church to help satisfy the $2.8 million judgment.

This ruling effectively limits the Proud Boys’ ability to profit from their name and brand, which has been a key part of their identity and recruitment efforts. The loss of the trademark also dealt a symbolic blow to the group, as it undermines their ability to project a unified and organized image. For the church, on the other hand, the ruling represents a significant victory in its ongoing struggle for justice and accountability.

Reactions to the Ruling

Rev. William H. Lamar IV, the leader of the Metropolitan AME Church, expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "The Church has a long history of standing up for justice and against all forms of hate. We are determined to hold the Proud Boys accountable and we will continue this fight." Rev. Lamar’s words reflect the church’s unwavering commitment to addressing systemic racism and violence, as well as its resolve to seek justice through legal and nonviolent means.

On the other side of the equation, Enrique Tarrio, the former chairman of the Proud Boys, responded with defiance. In a lengthy statement posted to the social media platform X, Tarrio called for the church to be audited and demanded that its nonprofit status be revoked immediately. Tarrio’s reaction underscores the ongoing tensions between the Proud Boys and their critics, as well as the group’s tendency to dismiss or invalidate efforts to hold them accountable for their actions.

The Broader Significance of the Case

The case against the Proud Boys highlights the growing efforts to challenge extremist groups through legal means. In recent years, there has been a surge in lawsuits targeting far-right organizations, particularly in the wake of high-profile incidents like the 2021 Capitol riot and the deadly "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. These lawsuits often seek to hold such groups financially and morally accountable for the harm they cause, with the hope of disrupting their operations and diminishing their influence.

The transfer of the "Proud Boys" trademark to the Metropolitan AME Church is more than just a legal maneuver; it is a powerful symbolic gesture. It represents a rejection of the hate and intolerance that the group embodies and a reaffirmation of the values of justice and equality that the church has long championed. For many, the ruling serves as a reminder that the fight against extremism is not just about physical confrontations but also about using the tools of the legal system to achieve accountability and restitution.

The Road Ahead

As the Metropolitan AME Church continues to pursue justice, the Proud Boys face an uncertain future. The loss of their trademark is likely to complicate their efforts to organize and recruit new members, as their brand has been a central part of their identity. It also raises questions about how the group will respond to this setback, with some leaders already signaling their defiance and others possibly seeking to rebrand or regroup.

For the church, the ruling is a testament to the power of persistence and community. While the legal victory is a major step forward, the congregation knows that the fight against hate is far from over. The church remains committed to advocating for justice and working to dismantle systems of oppression, even as it continues to rebuild and recover from the attack.

In conclusion, the transfer of the "Proud Boys" trademark to the Metropolitan AME Church is a significant development in the ongoing struggle against hate and extremism. It not only provides a measure of justice for the church but also serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals and groups accountable for their actions. As the legal and social landscape continues to evolve, cases like this will likely play a crucial role in shaping the broader conversation about hate, justice, and accountability in America.