Natalie Weber / Houston Public Media

Fort Bend County Commissioners voted Thursday to contribute $1.5 million in park bond funds to the construction of the Sugar Land 95 Memorial.

In 2018, while in the process of building a new school, Fort Bend ISD discovered the remains of 95 individuals believed to be part of a convict leasing program. Many southern states began using forced labor from prisoners under harsh conditions after the abolition of slavery. Black men in particular were targeted and often arrested for minor infractions or false charges.

About five years after the discovery of the Sugar Land 95, the district announced its plans to build a memorial at the James Reese Career and Technical Center, where the individuals were found. Sign up for the Hello, Houston! daily ne

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