ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF
THE VIRTUAL CONVICT LEASING MUSEUM
SPONSORED BY THE HONEYLAND FUND
JUNE 19TH 2025
Discover the hidden history of convict leasing and the role of sugar plantations in an era of forced
labor. This digital museum brings the 13 traveling panels to life, making them accessible to the world!!!
Go to: http://Sugarland95museum.com
Welcome to the Virtual Convict Leasing Museum, presented by
The Society of Justice & Equality for the People of Sugar Land (S.O.J.E.S.).
The Sugarland95 Virtual Museum is not just a digital space--
it is a sacred tribute, a call to remembrance, and a beacon for justice.
In May 2020, my life changed when my friend and neighbor, Mr. Bruce Lemmie, shared a haunting
revelation: the remains of 95 African Americans had been unearthed during the construction of a career
and technical school in Sugar Land. These individuals were victims of the brutal convict leasing system
—a form of modern-day slavery that thrived long after Emancipation.
I visited the burial site with my son, Kevin. What we found was heartbreaking: a forgotten cemetery,
choked by overgrown grass, with no markers, no fences—no dignity. I stood there overwhelmed by
sorrow and anger. But in that moment, I also felt a deep sense of purpose. I called my daughter,
Raiquel, and together we began to envision a path forward—one that would honor these lives and
ensure their stories would never again be buried.
That vision became The Society of Justice and Equality for the People of Sugar Land (S.O.J.E.S.)
By September 2020, with the support of my children—Raiquel, Ryan, and Kevin—and a coalition of
passionate community members, we founded
The Society of Justice & Equality for the People of Sugar Land (S.O.J.E.S.).
Our mission was clear: to confront the painful truths of our past and to build a future
rooted in justice, equity, and remembrance.
I am profoundly grateful to the many individuals who have walked this journey with me--
Debra McGaughey (Vice President), Ursela Knox, Bruce Lemmie, Paul Matthews, Farha Ahmed,
Anna Lykoudis-Zafiris, Pastor David Sincere, Dr. Destry Dokes, Janet Dokes, Khambrel Marshall,
the Rotary Club: Natalie Lerner and Bill Griffin
as well as the Principal Research Group: Dr. Catrina Banks Whitley, Abigail Eve Fisher,
and Dr. Helen Graham.
Special thanks to the S.O.J.E.S. volunteers: Dolly Spencer, Karen Fountain, Doreen Saizan, Angela
Sholotan, Darlene Kates, Kim Mason, Michelle Neal, Claire Mitchell, Rhonda Lewis, Raquel Nwosu,
Rachel Nwosu, Makensie Cole, Symari McGinness, Christie Seque, Dr. Maria Curry-Nkansah,
Kevin Benjamin, The Honorable Tameika Carter, Mrs. Bridgette Smith-Lawson, Attorney, The Honorable
Monica Rawlings, Pastor Bobby D. Hamilton, Pastor Reverend Walther Junious,
Educator Murvin Auzenne, Brian Lisco, Neil Lisco, Author Alex Lichtenstein (Twice the Work of Free
Labor) and Author Matthew J. Mancini (One Dies, Get Another).
Their dedication has been instrumental in transforming grief into action.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to the local, state, and national leaders who have stood beside us,
including Commissioner Ken DeMerchant, Commissioner Grady Prestige, Commissioner Rodney Ellis,
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Pete Olson Commissioner Dexter McCoy,
State Representative Ronald Reynolds, and State Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani.
At S.O.J.E.S., we believe that truth-telling is a powerful act of justice.
By confronting the legacy of racial violence and systemic oppression--
from slavery to convict leasing to mass incarceration--
we illuminate the threads that connect our past to our present.
The Sugarland95 Virtual Museum is not just about history; it is about healing.
It is about honoring the African Americans who built Sugarland and the Sugar Industry in Sugarland
with their blood, sweat, tears and death, to amplifying the voices of those who were silenced to
empowering future generations to carry the torch of justice forward.
As you explore this virtual museum, you will uncover the untold story of Sugar Land—a story woven
with sugar, slavery, suffering, and strength. It is a history that demands to be known, honored, and
never forgotten.
Special remembrance to Mr. Reginald Moore because without his dedication, research and advocacy,
the story of convict leasing in Fort Bend County would not have been known.
S.O.J.E.S. invites you to learn, reflect, and join us in this sacred mission.
Together, we can ensure that the 95 souls—and countless others like them--
are remembered not as footnotes in history, but as catalysts for change.
Warmly,
Robin A. Cole, Founder & President
Go to: http://Sugarland95museum.com