Introduction to the Sugar Land 95
A new historical marker has been erected at the Sugar Land 95 burial site, a significant milestone in the journey to honor and remember the 95 individuals believed to be part of a former convict leasing labor program involving African Americans. Their remains were discovered on Fort Bend ISD property southwest of Houston in 2018. The Texas Historical Commission awarded the marker to memorialize these individuals, and it will be celebrated on Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the date enslaved people in Texas learned they had been freed.
The Significance of the Historical Marker
The historical marker is a great milestone for the community, and it is one that has been worked on for quite some time. The process of obtaining a historical marker is complicated and time-consuming, but it is a crucial step in recognizing the importance of the Sugar Land 95. The marker is part of the Texas Historical Commission’s Undertold Marker Program, which focuses on "underrepresented subjects or untold stories." This program aims to bring attention to the often-overlooked aspects of history, and the Sugar Land 95 is a prime example of this.
Developing the Memorial Site
The school district is developing an outdoor learning center and memorial site at the James Reese Career and Technical Center, where the Sugar Land 95 were discovered. The remains were exhumed and then reburied at the site, and the district’s goal is to raise about $4 million for the memorial’s construction. The district hopes to raise about half of these funds by the end of the year and will launch its full fundraising efforts at the unveiling ceremony for the historical marker.
Celebration and Fundraising
The dedication ceremony for the historical marker will begin at 10 a.m. on Juneteenth, followed by a festival to celebrate the holiday. The ceremony will be an opportunity for the community to come together and recognize the importance of the Sugar Land 95. The district’s target is to raise $2 million by the end of the year, which will be achieved through a series of grants, county investments, fundraising efforts, and other philanthropic channels.
The Role of Local Activists
Local activist Reginald Moore advocated for the memorialization of the Sugar Land 95 before his death in 2020. His widow, Marilyn Moore, leads the Friends of the Sugar Land 95, a nonprofit working with the school district to raise money for the memorial. Moore believes that the memorial will provide an opportunity for education and will help to educate others about the history of the location.
Reckoning with the Past
The new marker will help the county reckon with its history, including the painful part of Fort Bend County’s past that has long gone unacknowledged. The convict leasing system was widespread across the southern United States after the Civil War, and Texas was no exception. The historical marker brings visibility to this painful part of the county’s past and lays a foundation for open dialogue and a deeper understanding of the shared history.
Conclusion
The erection of the historical marker at the Sugar Land 95 burial site is a significant step towards recognizing and honoring the individuals who were part of the convict leasing labor program. The marker will serve as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past, and it will provide an opportunity for education and growth. As the community comes together to celebrate the marker and the holiday of Juneteenth, it is essential to remember the significance of the Sugar Land 95 and the impact that their story has on the community today.
