Castle of Our Skins, a cultural organization that champions Black artistry through music and education, will wind down its season with “Black Declaration of Independence,” a concert debuting three new works that explore Black identity and history in relation to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

While reflecting on the spirit of the American Revolution, it became clear that many of the issues from that time period are painfully relevant 250 years later, says Ashleigh Gordon, artistic director of Castle of Our Skins.

“In thinking about the Declaration of Independence and some of the grievances that were included in there and some of the desires from the Founding Fathers, there’s a lot of parallels from a Black perspective to explore,” said Gordon. “These are not 250-year-old grievances, they’re still very active.”

The world premiere pieces on the program for “Black Declaration of Independence” are both personal and speaking to larger societal struggles.

“SAWTOOTH” by Yaz Lancaster, a New York City-based composer, is inspired by African American quilt patterns. “Hallowed” by Las Vegas-based composer Kevin Day was born out of his struggle with identity, acceptance and self-love as a Black gay man raised in Texas by a religious family. And “Affirmations” by Joe Williams, out of Hawaii, draws on the positive self-talk the composer uses to affirm his humanity and mental health.

This is one of Gordon’s final performances as the artistic director of Castle of Our Skins. Gordon co-founded the organization in 2013 with Anthony R. Green and feels her stewardship of the program has reached a natural break.

“It’s been a beautiful journey,” Gordon said. “I have certainly recognized over the years that the work that we’re doing far exceeds my personhood. I’m calling it an evolution by design as an organic being grows and changes and morphs and has the benefit of being tended to by many, many hands.”

Castle of Our Skins won’t appoint a new artistic director; instead, a cohort of creatives, currently being assembled, in new roles will work collaboratively to shape and grow the organization going forward.

“Black Declaration of Independence” will be performed at Hibernian Hall on June 6. The concert is free and open to all, as are many of Castle of Our Skins’ programs. Gordon hopes the concert is an opportunity for strength and reflection within the community.

“It’s important to be able to create environments where dialogue barriers are broken,” she said. “It’s an equal space where all of us, whether creative, whether we’re in the spotlight, whether we’re seated in the audience, are able to have conversation.”

ON THE WEB

Learn more at castleskins.org/event-details/black-declaration-of-independence