Updates
Progress in Identifying the Sugar Land 95
After a year of dedicated research, the Sugar Land 95 project team has made strides in identifying some of the individuals discovered at the historic Bullhead Camp Cemetery. Through forensic and genealogical analysis, tentative identities have been established for some of the victims of the convict leasing system, offering descendants a meaningful connection to their ancestors. This ongoing work highlights the importance of forensic science in preserving history and honoring the lives of those who endured forced labor.
Article link: https://www.forensicmag.com/3594-All-News/615931-One-Year-In-Team-has-Tentative-Identities-for-Some-Sugar-Land-95-Victims/
Highlighting the Work of the Snow Molecular Anthropology Lab 2024
Dr. Meredith Snow Presents on Reestablishing the Identity of the Sugar Land 95
Our very own Dr. Meredith Snow recently presented at the International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI), sharing the vital work being done to identify the Sugar Land 95. This project aims to connect descendants with their ancestors and honor those who endured the convict labor leasing system. Read more about this presentation here: https://www.ishinews.com/events/identifying-the-sugar-land-95-reestablishing-the-identity-of-the-victims-of-the-convict-labor-leasing-system/
Highlighting the Work of the Snow Molecular Anthropology Lab 2024
Enhancing Identification Efforts
The Snow Molecular Anthropology Lab (SMAL) at the University of Montana is making strides in the identification of Indigenous and African American remains, including those from significant projects like Sugar Land 95. Through advanced DNA technology, SMAL is not only aiding in the restoration of identities but also contributing to culturally sensitive forensic practices. Learn more about their impactful work and collaborations here.
Learn more about ancient DNA from our collaborators!
Sugar Land DNA presentation.mp4New collaborators!!!
It is with great pleasure that we introduce Meradeth Snow, PhD, and Samantha Hofland, MA, of the Snow Molecular Anthropology Laboratory at the University of Montana.
They have been hard at work, finding us our first three genetic matches to the Sugarland 95 from a single tooth we sent them as a pilot study!
Feb. 20, 2024: Sugar Land 95 Day of Commemoration
We joined our friends and colleagues at the memorial dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at FBISD James Reese Career and Technical Center this evening hosted by the Friends of the Sugar Land 95, FBISD, HEB, and the Sugar Land Rotary Club.
We are honored to have the support of the community and offer our support to these organizations who work tirelessly on memorialization and public outreach.
Feb. 16, 2024: Check out PRG Helen Graham discussing PRG and SOJES on HCCTV UP To The Minute
Feb. 12, 2024: SOJES awards PRG members with SL95 Civil Rights Community Awards
PRG was honored by members of the Sugar Land community with awards for their continued efforts to identify the individuals buried at the Bullhead Camp Cemetery and reunite them with their living relatives.
The Society for Justice & Equality for the People of Sugar Land (SOJES) welcomed members of PRG with open arms to a heartfelt and impactful program which was full of hope and triumph.
We could not be more honored and humbled to have been included.
Please show us your support of the continuation of our ancient DNA work with a letter!
Click here to fill out a digital letter!
Feb. 19, 2023: 5-year anniversary of the discovery
Feb. 1-3, 2023: Real Places Conference
Oct. 1, 2022: Community Engagement Event at James Reese Career and Technical Center
Feb. 16, 2022: Exhibit Opening at James Reese Career and Technical Center
Check out the short documentary on PRG and ancient DNA:
On June 21st, 2021, the first extraction of ancient DNA from an individual among the Sugar Land 95 was begun at University of Connecticut.
As of September 2022, the first batch of ancient DNA extractions are in sequencing.
Principal Research Group is a 501c3 Non-profit Corporation.
We are currently asking for donations to assist in identifying the Sugar Land 95
Donations will go towards this goal and identifying further information about these individuals
Donation will fund such research including:
DNA sample collection of living potential relatives through Family Tree DNA
Completion of aDNA data for comparisons to living potential relatives
The search for living descendants
Isotope analysis to assist in narrowing down locations of living potential relatives to increase our chances of identifying the Sugar Land 95
We take care to ensure all genomic information of the living potential relatives will be protected, not made available to the public, law enforcement, or placed in searchable databases without express approval of the individual that donated their DNA sample. The Sugar Land 95 aDNA will be kept in an offline, private, and secured database.
Feb. 19, 2023: 5-year anniversary of the discovery