Culture 4 Adonis Armstrong Culture 4 Adonis Armstrong

Michael Jeffery Graduates High School as Valedictorian After Living in a Tent For 2 Years

Michael Jeffery had an incredible journey, living in a tent for two years. He graduated as Valedictorian with the support of the unique 'Goodwill Excel Center,' inspiring a remarkable pursuit of higher education. We discuss it here!

 

Michael Jeffery graduates from The Excel Center Adult Charter High School.

By: Gentel Sharrie

Michael Jeffery is the definition of anything is possible. During the pandemic Jeffery lost both his home and two jobs, which led to him living in a tent under a bridge in D.C. but that didn’t stop Jeffery from wanting better for himself so he decided to take high school classes for adults at the “Goodwill Excel Center” in 2022 and graduated Valedictorian of his class.

The “Goodwill Excel Center” is a unique, tuition-free adult charter high school that awards industry recognized certifications and high school diplomas, not GEDs. They support the whole student, and respond to the fact that life commitments, and circumstances can often stop people from continuing their high school education. They offer:

  • Transportation Assistance 

  • Child Development Center 

  • Flexible Class Schedules

Not only did Jeffery graduate as Valedictorian of his class but he also moved into an apartment in July of 2023. Jeffrey said to NBC 4 Washington “A lot of people don’t get that second chance, and Goodwill allowed that second chance for me, and I appreciate that.” In the fall he is making his way to Catholic University of America and after that Law School.

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Culture 4 Adonis Armstrong Culture 4 Adonis Armstrong

D.C. Judge Orders Proud Boys to Pay $1M+ for Destroying BLM Sign at Historic Black Church

Historic Black Church Wins $1M+ Default Judgment Against Proud Boys Over BLM Sign Vandalism in D.C. We discuss it here!

 
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church

Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.

By: Adonis Armstrong

The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, a historic institution in Washington, D.C., has recently been granted a default judgment exceeding $1 million in a lawsuit against the Proud Boys. The lawsuit was initiated by the church, situated about six blocks away from the White House, three years ago, accusing over a dozen members of the white supremacist group of vandalizing a Black Lives Matter sign.

A number of individuals affiliated with the organization were alleged to have trespassed onto the premises of the church by scaling a fence, subsequently vandalizing the property by tearing down a Black Lives Matter banner that was securely fastened. This inconsiderate act reportedly occurred in December 2020 during a heated confrontation between supporters and opponents of former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit sought compensation amounting to thousands of dollars, intended for enhancing the church's security measures and acquiring a replacement banner.

On Friday (June 30), Judge Neal E. Kravitz of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia issued a ruling in favor of the institution as the defendants, which included former leader Enrique Tarrio, failed to appear in court. “For generations, the leaders of Metropolitan AME and the members of its congregation have vocally and publicly supported movements for civil rights and racial justice,” Kravitz stated in the ruling acquired by CNN. “Church leaders and congregants view supporting the Black Lives Matter movement as a continuation of the church’s mission of advocacy for civil rights and racial justice.”

As part of the verdict, Kravitz determined that an additional $1 million in punitive damages must be paid. The Proud Boys mentioned in the lawsuit are also enjoined from approaching the church within a 100-yard radius. Moreover, they are prohibited from issuing threats to Reverend William H. Lamar IV, the pastor of the church, and making slanderous statements about him.

“We refuse to live in a nation where that kind of violence has the last word. We will never be silent,” On Saturday July 1st, Reverend William H. Lamar IV conveyed to The New York Times. Yesterday July 2nd, the church commemorated its 185th anniversary.

This decision sends a clear message that acts of hatred and destruction will not be tolerated, and that justice will be served. We hope this serves as a precedent to protect other institutions and communities from similar acts of vandalism and intimidation.

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