Celebrating Black History Month

Join our opportunities to explore how Black Americans have shaped America's life and enriched our journey of faith. This year, you can add your own story using our new augmented reality app as we celebrate a rich tapestry of cultures, experiences and heroes.

Join us for HBCU Welcome Sunday!

On Sunday, Feb. 19, at the 11:15 am Holy Eucharist, the Cathedral welcomes alums, organizations, families and communities representing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as part of Black History Month. Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, President of St. Augustine University in Raleigh, NC, preaches. The service includes music and prayers celebrating HBCUs with the choir of Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest HBCU, joining the Cathedral musicians. Free and open to the public!

Black History Month: Finding God in Our Struggle

cathedral connects
From the Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr:

Sometimes we need to look at our history, troubled as it may be, to see the hand of God leading us in the struggle through human heroes that are sent to guide and console us. And that's exactly why Black History Month is so important. read full blog post

Save the Date: Upcoming Events

This is Our Story: Changing Narratives to Build Racial Equity

Wednesday, Feb 15 • 7 pm
Join us in-person or online for an evening discussion at the Cathedral as we probe how our institutions – government, religion, history and the arts – can reimagine the stories we tell with an aim toward creating a more just future.

More Details →
RSVP to attend in-person or watch livestream →

Holy Eucharist & HBCU Welcome Sunday

Sunday, Feb 19 • 11:15 am
The Cathedral welcomes alums, organizations, families, and communities representing the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail, President of St. Augustine University in Raleigh, NC, preaches. The service includes music and prayers celebrating HBCUs with the choir of Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest HBCU, joining the Cathedral musicians.

More Details ➝

A Call to Action: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from the Canterbury Pulpit

Sunday, March 5, 12, 26 • 1 pm
Save the date(s)! As part of this year's Take On Lent programming, the Rev. Canon Leonard Hamlin will lead a discussion series about the ongoing relevance of Dr. King's final Sunday Sermon. More details to follow and registration will open soon.

Learn More and Register

Draw Your Story: Augmented Reality Experience

virtual experience
All stained glass windows tell stories. We invite you to use our new augmented reality app to share the story you would tell in a window as part of our Light in the Darkness project. On your next visit to the Cathedral, design your own windows and use our iPhone app to see what your window would look like installed. More Details

African American Voices Tour

thematic tours
Celebrate notable African Americans who have made significant contributions in theology, human rights, social justice, civil rights, education, and the welfare of other human beings as depicted in the sculptures, stained glass windows, and needlepoint throughout the Cathedral. Get Tickets

Three Generations: The King Family Preaching at the Cathedral

Light in the Darkness: Windows Replacement Project

ongoing projects
The Cathedral’s Light in the Darkness windows replacement project will capture the resilience, faith and endurance of African Americans and our nation’s struggle with the original sins of racism and slavery. We hope these new installations tell a more inclusive story, and reflect the dignity of each beloved child of God. learn more

Oral Histories

special series
We can only work for a better future if we truly understand our past. The Cathedral’s Racial Justice Task Force presents a series of first-person oral histories from African American members of the Cathedral community to help us all learn, reflect and walk forward together. browse series