Stonemasons at the National Cathedral chip in to tell a more inclusive history

The Washington National Cathedral’s first female stonemason will work with the team lead by head stonemason Joe Alonso to install stone tablets inscribed with the poem, “American Song” to accompany the Now and Forever Windows. The social justice windows and tablets symbolize the ongoing struggle for racial justice and replace stained glass windows and plaques commemorating Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. The Cathedral hopes this change will reflect its mission to be a “House of Prayer for All People.”

This story was produced by Bella Major, Joel Aguilar Bonilla, Sanaa Stokes at the 2024 Summer Academy with support from SRL Youth Media Producer Chris Schwalm, and educator Adison Godfrey.