An Evolutionary Journey

“There comes a time in life when we have to decide to move in a different direction.”

Serena Williams

In 2022, tennis icon Serena Williams chose to evolve beyond an identity that had single-handedly defined her and step fully into new areas of growth, both personally and spiritually. In an article she penned for Vogue she shared: “I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis toward other things that are important to me.” I found her choice of words to be so fundamentally natural: as organic beings, it’s imperative that we shift, grow, change, and transform in order to avoid stagnation.

In reflecting on this upcoming season - our 13th - I’m struck by the profundity of change and the beautiful significance of that number. In West African Voodoo, the number 13 is a powerful signifier of transformation. Unlike the fear-infused interpretation of the West, this number represents rebirth, signaling the end of one phase and the beginning of another. A marker of evolution and the natural cadence of life and transitions, the number 13 is a reminder “that change, though sometimes challenging, is an integral part of spiritual growth.”

For me, Season 13 is one of personal evolution as it will be my last

as Artistic Director of Castle of our Skins.

Nearly 13 years ago, I and friend/co-founder Anthony R. Green set out to claim space. We wanted to claim space for African diasporic musicians and composers who created - and continue to create - beautiful things but go unnoticed or under appreciated. We wanted to claim space for imagination, cultural curiosity, creative play and community-building in our work as artist-directors, especially since we found a lack of those things in other spaces. We wanted to challenge expectations of what Black artistry could sound like, look like, and feel like all while honoring our history and those who came before us. I’m happy to report that we did those things! We’ve performed over 450 works by Black composers from around the globe with more than 170 of them being commissions. We’ve brought together artists, dancers, writers, filmmakers, historians and more to share the stage with us in 17 states and 3 countries.  We’ve woven Black history and experiential learning together in our over 30 signature edu-tainment recitals, workshops, and published music scores for young learners. The journey from our first concert to now has been filled with countless blessings, joys and tremendous growth.

In thinking about my own personal evolution and journey, I’m excited to step into new areas of growth, both known and yet to be unveiled. I’m eager to explore other ways I can have an impact on my community, both in and outside the arts and culture sector, and to delve deeper into my own spiritual journey of self understanding in order to realize my greatest potential. I take solace in knowing that this season, a moment of great transition on so many levels, is necessary and timely for both Castle and myself as we evolve into something greater and independent from each other.

For Castle, Season 13 is one of transformation guided by a strategic plan currently in the works, the shift from dream to reality as we get ready to launch a capital campaign for our new home, and the influx of energy and insights that come along with new additions to the COOS staff and board. It’s also marked by our own coming of age story as an organization aspiring to grow amidst an onslaught of threats to our very future and democracy. In preparing for this next level of maturation, we’ve worked hard to build a strong team, fortify our foundation, and sharpen our focus. Castle of our Skins has grown from being a seed planted to a tree rooted, more than ready to stand independently on its own.

As we launch into Season 13 - which is aptly entitled Black Declaration of Independence - I want to personally invite you to lean in, stay tuned, and join us for the many transformations to come. If you’re nearby, come to our MassQ Ball 2025: Color and be transformed into a walking work of art. Say hello at one of our new Spot/Light concerts as we bring jazz and other exciting styles of Black artistry under the COOS fold. Show up and help shape our next chapter at one of our forthcoming community conversations as we continue to dream up our new space. As my final year as Artistic Director of Castle of our Skins, it would truly mean the world to me to share this evolutionary journey one last time with you. 

Till soon, as I so often say, and till next time. 

Ashleigh Gordon

Artistic Director

Castle of our Skins