In the spirit of Juneteenth, Morgan County based, Center for Authentic Listening and Learning (C.A.L.L) will host their debut Juneteenth celebration in the Blue Room at the legendary American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, in the historic 18th & Vine community.

The hosts are excited to engage supporters and new friends at the fundraising event as they highlight the history of Lake Placid's first Black resort, the legacy of Dr. P.C. Turner, and C.A.L.L.'s efforts to forge a new chapter on the land through several initiatives.

Turner founded the first Black resort at Lake Placid in 1934 to give Black Americans in Missouri a space to relax and find leisure during segregation. C.A.L.L. seeks to shed light on Turner's legacy while establishing their own chapter on the storied land. The luncheon is co-sponsored by Reparations Project 40, an initiative centered on freedom, reparations, and community.

Founders Brendalyn King, a native of St. Louis, and her partner, Osei Doyle, purchased 244 acres of the land in 2021 with the goal of farming and building with hemp. The hemp operation is one of a variety of projects that will be highlighted during the celebration.

"We feel blessed to steward a piece of Missouri's Black history, as it is the legacy that RepProject40 is proud to be accountable for," said King. "And now we have a way to receive charitable contributions for a mission that brings learning, retreat, and economic wholeness to Black people in nature. This land and organization will be supported for its efforts to remain a place of solace and safety for Black people for generations to come."

This year's luncheon will include an awards ceremony honoring Dr. Gary Kremer, a scholar of Missouri History and the Director of The State Historical Society of Missouri. It will also feature a special performance by jazz pianist and composer, St. Louis' own Lawrence Fields.

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. While it began as an informal celebration of freedom by locals in Galveston, TX, it eventually grew into a wider commemoration of the end of slavery. In 2022, Juneteenth became officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States.

The luncheon will take place on Monday, June 19th at 1 PM. For tickets and more information please visit, http://www.JuneGalaKC.Eventbrite.com.

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.