In a nutshell
If approved at an upcoming meeting, the agreement would allow for more funding to be raised to expand the memorial project with more outdoor features and community opportunities, according to documents from FBISD's Sept. 9 agenda review meeting. The site, located at the James Reese Career and Technical Center, currently features a cemetery and educational programs.
“The contract would provide the district with the mechanism to raise funds outside of our general fund,” Chassidy Olainu-Alade, FBISD coordinator of community and civic engagement, said at the Sept. 9 meeting. “So that is why it’s critically important that we’re able to tap into grants [and] philanthropic giving through large endowments.”
The details
The Friends of the Sugar Land 95 formed in mid-2023 as a partner organization to FBISD’s fundraising efforts to memorialize the Sugar Land 95, Community Impact reported.
This affiliate agreement would solidify the partnership between the nonprofit and district, and aid the district in community engagement and stewardship for the cemetery, Olainu-Alade said.
What happened
The Sugar Land 95 is a name given to the 95 individuals discovered in February 2018 when FBISD contractors built the James Reese Career and Technical Center. The individuals are believed to have been part of the state’s convict leasing program, Community Impact reported.
Boston-based nonprofit MASS Design Group, who was hired by FBISD, presented plans for the expanded memorial last September at a price tag of up to $4.5 million, Community Impact reported.
The plans included:
- A space for visitors to be with ancestors
- A pathway to lead visitors through the site with benches
- Signs throughout conveying information about those interned in the cemetery based on bio-forensic data, genealogical studies and archival research
- Community experiences and cultural celebrations
- Commemorative rituals and memorializations
“I’m hoping to see that MASS design that we paid for come to fruition," board trustee Angie Hanan said. "I know the price tag is going up and up as inflation happens, and so I really appreciate the Friends of the Sugar Land 95 stepping up and being willing to be in a relationship with the district.”
Looking ahead
The agreement will be up for vote by FBISD trustees at the upcoming Sept. 16 board meeting. After approval, the district and group will develop operating procedures and transition to activities outlined in the agreement, according to agenda documents.
