Fort Bend County has approved $1.5 million from county parks bond funds to initiate the $4 million Sugar Land 95 Memorial Project, which aims to honor the 95 predominantly Black prisoners who were victims of Texas' convict-leasing system. The county, Fort Bend ISD, and the nonprofit Friends of the Sugar Land 95 have partnered to enhance accessibility and revamp the historic cemetery, with FBISD Board President Kristin Tassin stating, "This investment will be a catalyst for the work that needs to be done to memorialize the historic cemetery," according to KHOU.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers is leading the county’s involvement, and officials emphasized the project’s educational and historical significance. Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith expressed his eagerness to "cross the finish line" on completing the important memorial site, as reported by KHOU.
Fort Bend County approved $1.5 million for the Sugar Land 95 Memorial Project, which will support the development of the site where the Sugar Land 95 were found. The cemetery is now recognized as a Texas State Cemetery and received a Texas State Historical Marker in June 2025. Tassin emphasized the importance of the discovery on school district property and its educational value. Commissioner Dexter McCoy said, "You have been a staunch advocate to make sure that we… restore dignity to those folks who are buried there," and Superintendent Christie Whitbeck noted the commissioners’ role and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to preserving the site through the new interlocal agreement, as mentioned by Houston Chronicle.
