Missouri-based Center for Authentic Listening & Learning (C.A.L.L.) will host their Annual Juneteenth brunch at the Church on Del Mar on Friday, June 19th from 11 AM to 2 PM. The event is their signature, annual fundraiser and supports their initiatives for the historic 244-acres of land at Lake Placid, MO.

The brunch will feature an in-person panel discussion titled “From the Hospital to the Land: Reclaiming Wellness on Missouri’s First Black Resort.” The conversation will explore how Black communities have historically created spaces of refuge, restoration, and collective healing in response to racialized systems that have shaped health and well-being.

Arianna Blakemore, Dr. Kaleea Lewis, and Dr. Will Ross are the featured panelists. In addition to the discussion, the event will include a live jazz ensemble performance led by Willem von Hombract. 2026 marks the fourth year of the gathering, which the organization launched virtually during the Covid-19 years. It has organically evolved to an annual celebration honoring the roots of jazz over brunch in the heartland state of Missouri.

The 244 acres near Lake Placid carry a legacy that is both rare and remarkable. In 1934, Dr. P.C. Turner, then serving as superintendent at General Hospital No. 2 in Kansas City, partnered with J.M. Sojourner to sign a contract to become the first owners of the historic land. At a time when Jim Crow laws defined the boundaries of Black life in America, Dr. Turner and Mr. Sojourner envisioned and built Missouri's first Black resort, a sanctuary of rest, joy, and dignity for an entire people – a place where Black people could simply be.

“We intentionally choose to gather on Juneteenth to honor the significance of the individuals who shaped the way of life for Black people today,” said Board President, Brendalyn King. “We also use this time annually to educate attendees about the heritage of this historic property, uplift the vision of Dr. P.C. Turner, and cast the vision for C.A.L.L.'s future as we invite guests to partner in completing transformational projects on the land.”

C.A.L.L. is a nonprofit organization rooted in the mission that those most impacted by health inequities must be the ones to lead the solutions. Through wellness programming, cultural engagement, and nature-based healing, C.A.L.L. is developing transformative projects designed to cultivate serenity, liberation, and a lasting connection to the land's rich heritage.

The Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) recently awarded C.A.L.L. a $15,000 grant in support of the project titled “Before Lake Placid: Uncovering the Deeper Histories of Land, Lineage, and Memory”.

The jazz brunch is scheduled for Friday, June 19th from 11 AM to 2 PM. For more details and to purchase tickets please visit, https://shorturl.at/ija1C. Limited sponsorship opportunities are also available, for more information please email [email protected].

About Juneteenth: Juneteenth originated as a grassroots celebration of freedom among Galveston, TX locals and later evolved into a nationwide observance marking the abolition of slavery. It gained official recognition as a federal holiday in the United States, thanks to the persistent advocacy efforts led by Opal Lee.

About Center of Authentic Listening & Learning: C.A.L.L. is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to steward a vision of serenity and liberation for people in nature on Missouri's First Black Resort. Please visit https://www.centerforall.org/ to learn more and get involved.