National Cathedral replaces Confederate windows to promote ‘racial justice’
The National Cathedral Unveils New Stained Glass Windows with a Powerful Message
The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., made a significant statement on Saturday with the unveiling of its new set of stained glass windows. These windows replace the previous ones that honored Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, which were removed in 2017 following the controversial “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Renowned artist Kerry James Marshall was commissioned to design the new windows, titled “Now and Forever,” with a powerful racial justice theme. The artwork depicts protesters holding signs that read “No foul play” and “Fairness,” inviting viewers to reflect on the meaning of America today.
In a press release, Marshall emphasized the transformative power of art, stating, ”Art isn’t only about aesthetics; it can also be a tool for reinterpreting familiar narratives and confronting uncomfortable truths. It can inspire progress, and these windows serve as a visual invitation to reflect on the meaning of America today.”
What makes this commission even more remarkable is that Marshall charged the church a symbolic fee of $18.65, referencing the end of the Civil War. Typically, Marshall’s work sells for millions, but this was his first venture into stained glass, accomplished with the assistance of glass expert Andrew Goldkuhle.
To commemorate the dedication of the windows, a poem titled “American Song” by Elizabeth Alexander was read aloud during the ceremony. One excerpt from the poem reads, ”Walk toward freedom. Work toward freedom. Believe in beloved community. We are not yet close enough to heaven. Aspire to song. Aspire to the lift of voices joined to make a mighty noise.” This poignant verse will be engraved in limestone and displayed within the next nine months.
The service also featured Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who read excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letters from Birmingham Jail.”
The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of the cathedral, expressed the significance of this moment, stating, “The unveiling of Kerry James Marshall’s windows and Elizabeth Alexander’s poem marks a significant moment in the Cathedral’s history. Windows that celebrated division are being replaced by windows that extol the pursuit of justice. The addition of these windows and the powerful words that accompany them allows us to tell a truer story of America, a story that confronts our past and invites all of us into a more inclusive and hopeful future.”
A Historical Landmark with a Powerful Message
Construction of Washington’s National Cathedral began in 1909 under the guidance of President Theodore Roosevelt, who laid the foundation stone. It took over 80 years to complete, with President George H. W. Bush finally placing the final stone on top of one of its towers in 1990.
In what way do the new stained glass windows at the National Cathedral serve as a testament to the power of art?
E stained glass windows at the National Cathedral are a testament to that power.”
The new stained glass windows at the National Cathedral were unveiled to the public on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the cathedral’s history. These windows serve as a symbolic replacement for the previous ones that honored Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas ”Stonewall” Jackson. The decision to remove the Confederate-related windows was made in 2017, following the controversial “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was a step towards acknowledging the pain and oppression associated with these figures and dismantling the celebration of a painful past.
Renowned artist Kerry James Marshall was entrusted with the task of designing the new stained glass windows, which have been aptly titled “Now and Forever.” Marshall, known for his thought-provoking art, infused these windows with a powerful message of racial justice. Through his artwork, he seeks to spotlight the ongoing struggle for equality and spark dialogue about the meaning of America in the present day.
The artistry displayed in these stained glass windows is truly remarkable. They depict protesters with signs that read “No foul play” and “Fairness,” symbolizing the pursuit of justice and equality for all. These profound images compel viewers to delve deep into their own thoughts and consider the current state of our nation. They remind us that although progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
In a press release, Kerry James Marshall emphasizes the transformative nature of art. He reminds us that art is not merely about aesthetics, but it can serve as a powerful tool for reinterpreting familiar narratives and confronting uncomfortable truths. It can push us to reflect on our past, challenge our present, and inspire progress. The stained glass windows at the National Cathedral embody this sentiment, serving as a visual reminder of the cathedral’s commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and equality.
By unveiling these new stained glass windows, the National Cathedral sends a powerful message to its visitors. It serves as a reminder that as a nation, we must face our history and confront the painful aspects of it. It is only by acknowledging our past and working towards a more inclusive future that we can strive for true unity and progress. The windows stand tall as a testament to the power of art in shaping our perceptions, inspiring change, and fostering important conversations.
The National Cathedral’s decision to commission Kerry James Marshall for this project showcases a commitment to creating a space that is inclusive, diverse, and reflective of the values we hold as a society. These stained glass windows will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who have the opportunity to witness them. They serve as a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice in America.
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