Namond Brice

Character storyline

Namond frequently tags along with Michael Lee to Dennis “Cutty” Wise's community gym but rarely boxes himself. He works as a drug runner for former Barksdale lieutenant Bodie Broadus, who gave him the job out of respect for Wee-Bey. While on the corner, Namond often reads or leaves early to catch pigeons with friends. When Dukie smashes a bottle and scares off the birds, Namond taunts him until Dukie attacks, and Michael breaks up the fight.

A plan to ambush a rival gang with urine-filled water balloons backfires when Namond bursts his own balloon, and the terrace boys chase them, catching Michael. Later, Namond buys ice cream for everyone, including Dukie, at Michael's urging. Visiting Wee-Bey in prison, Namond cares for his father's pet fish and receives advice on drug dealing, like getting a less distinctive haircut. De'Londa threatens to withhold money for school clothes unless Namond applies himself, but she buys them anyway after he swaps his job with Michael—irritating Bodie, who says his corner isn't social services.

At school, Namond is disruptive, getting suspended for three days after frequent disruptions in Prez's math class; he later apologizes on his own. A knife he hid in a bush is confiscated by Assistant Principal Marcia Donnelly during a random sweep. When Brianna cuts off financial support, De'Londa sets Namond up to deal narcotics, convincing Bodie to give him a package by threatening to tell Wee-Bey. Namond recruits Donut, Little Kenard, and Byron to move the package, but a rival crew forces him from his preferred territory, and Sherrod attacks him outside Cutty's gym.

In Howard Colvin's special class, Namond says he'll be dead in ten years but claims ambition to be a drug kingpin, arguing he shouldn't obey rules when others profit from wrongdoing. His business fails when Kenard steals the package, and Michael slaps him three times after Namond berates Dukie. Colvin talks Wee-Bey into letting him adopt Namond, and De'Londa eventually agrees. A year later, Namond excels academically and participates in a city-wide school debate, having escaped the dangerous streets unlike Michael, Duquan, and Randy.

Did You Know?

• He was adopted by former police commander Howard Colvin after his mother threw him out.
• In season 5, Namond participates in a city-wide school debate, excelling academically.
• Entertainment Weekly named Namond one of the five most interesting characters in season four.