The Society of Justice & Equality for the People of Sugar Land (S.O.J.E.S.), a Sugar Land non-profit organization established to raise the narrative on convict leasing and Sugar Land’s past, will hold A Day of Remembrance – A Black History Month Tribute to the Sugar Land 95, 11 a.m., Saturday, February 19, to mark to the day the fourth anniversary of the discovery of the “Sugar Land 95,” the human remains of at least 95 victims of convict leasing discovered at a Sugar Land high school construction site in 2018.
Dr. Matthew J. Mancini, author of I Matthew J. Mancini, Ph.D., author of the book One Dies, Get Another: Convict Leasing in the American South: 1866-1928. Dr. Mancini will focus on convict leasing as one of the most exploitative labor systems in American history. Mancini’s book describes the prisoners’ daily existence, profiles the individuals – specifically, Edward Cunningham and Littleberry Ellis – who leased convicts in Fort Bend County, and also reveals both the inhumanity of the leasing laws and also the centrality of race relations in the establishment and perpetuation of convict leasing. The event will be emceed by KPRC-Ch.2 meteorologist, news anchor and talk-show host Khambrel Marshall.
The event is part of S.O.J.E.S.’s observance and celebration of Black History Month. Other event highlights include Champion of Justice Awards presented to three individuals significant to the discovery of the Sugar Land 95, a traveling museum exhibit featuring African-Americans who excelled in science, technology, engineering, arts and math sponsored by Fluor Corporation, and “Say Their Names,” an original spoken-word performance focused on the 95 souls found in Sugar Land in 2018.
The event is free and open to all. Masks are required for attendance.
“The Sugar Land 95 helped build the Sugar Land we know and live in today,” says Robin Cole, president of S.O.J.E.S. “They are to be rightfully remembered and honored by our community. S.O.J.E.S. aims to do just that.”
WHO: The Society of Justice & Equality for the People of Sugar Land (S.O.J.E.S.)
WHAT: A Day of Remembrance, A Black History Month Tribute to the Sugar Land 95
WHEN: 11 a.m., Saturday, February 19, 2022
WHERE: Fluor Corporation, 1 Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478
To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=215300739307
To learn more about S.O.J.E.S., please visit sojesjustice.org