Sugar Land - Missouri City Edition | November 2023

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Sugar Land Missouri City Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3 NOV. 8DEC. 8, 2023

Sugar Land 95 site plan revealed

The nal design for the Sugar Land 95 memorial site was revealed in September.

DANIEL WEEKSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“The district supports the ongoing research and studies by skilled professionals, and we appreciate them sharing their ndings with us, as we are committed to telling the full story and properly memorializing the victims of state-sanctioned convict leasing,” said Chassidy Olainu-Alade, FBISD coordinator of community and civic engagement.

discovered the resting place of 95 individuals believed to have been part of the state’s convict leasing program, later named the Sugar Land 95. The site was named Bullhead Camp Cemetery by state and local ocials. Numerous entities, nonprots and activists have since tried to nd the best way to tell the story of the Sugar Land 95, including plans for a memorial FBISD released on Sept. 11.

BY DAVE MANNING

The rst shovel of topsoil at the site of what was to be James Reese Career and Technical Center for Fort Bend ISD initially yielded nothing of cultural signicance during the district’s initial inspection, Texas Historical Commission archaeologist Brad Jones said. But in February 2018 during construction, crews

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Specialty soda shop coming soon to Richmond (Page 6)

Government: Vehicle inspections no longer required (Page 11)

Transportation: Streak of daily trac fatalities continues (Page 13)

Dining: Vegan restaurant shoots for the stars (Page 21)

HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where you need us

Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care in Sugar Land We offer a full spectrum of care, including: • Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service • Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions • Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research

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To find care near you, visit houstonmethodist.org or call 713.790.3333 .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

The District is actively engaging current Fort Bend ISD stakeholders to design, create, and implement the community-inspired 6-year Strategic Plan, centered on a Vision for Learning and anchored on the community’s highest hopes for their learners. The District is calling this overall effort “Vision 2030.” There will be four phases in the strategic design process that will lead to the development of Vision 2030:

Phase 1: Engage Phase 2: Design

Phase 3: Create Phase 4: Lead

Fort Bend ISD staff will develop detailed action plans that will serve as integral components in the plans defined across organizational divisions and departments. The District is also committed to keeping stakeholders informed of the progress toward implementing Vision 2030. Learn more at www.fortbendisd.com/ vision2030

www.fortbendisd.com

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Jingle Tree features a showcase of beautifully decorated trees and décor, up for bid in a week-long, online silent auction. Proceeds support the Museum’s daily operations, expand access to underserved communities and support innovative sensory-friendly programming.

SCAN FOR TICKETS AND INFO

TREE LIGHTING NOVEMBER 10 10:00AM

VIP EXPERIENCE NOVEMBER 13 & 14 11:00AM-5:00PM

FESTIVE FINALE NOVEMBER 16 6:00PM-9:00PM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. And our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning James T. Norman Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Graphic Designers Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

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Prices, plans, features and options are subject to change without notice. Prices shown are based on home prices and do not include costs and fees, modifications to plans and custom features which may substantially affect final cost of home. Please check accuracy of information provided with your sales agent prior to purchasing. Features noted above could be plan or lot specific. Pictures, photographs/renderings, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage is approximate only. Additional restrictions may apply. Furnishings and decorative items not included with home purchase. Artist renderings only. Subject to change. Schools, districts and zoning are outside of D.R. Horton, Inc.’s control and subject to change at any time. Buyer should conduct his or her own investigation of the present and future availability of school districts and school assignments. Seller has no control or responsibility for any changes to school districts or school assignments should they occur in the future. 11/2022.

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Impacts

• 6216 Hwy. 6, Missouri City • www.theflawlesscloset.com

W. BELLFORT ST.

RICHMOND AVE.

2 Sugar Land Dental Associates Services at this new dental care clinic include cosmetic dentistry, dental technology, general and family dentistry, oral surgery and restorative dentistry. • Opened Oct. 3 • 6908 Brisbane Court, Ste. 150, Sugar Land • www.sugarlanddentalassociates.com

W . B E L L F O R T B

99 TOLL

W . A

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3 Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care

MATLAGE WAY

The hospital system’s new clinic will offer services for non-life-threatening conditions, on-site X-ray services, COVID-19 testing and flu vaccines to patients ages six months and older. • Opened Oct. 2 • 2455 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land • www.gohealthuc.com/memorialhermann

PROMENADE WAY

TOWN CENTER BLVD.

Missouri City

NBLVD.

1092

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Coming soon

4 Swig This drive-thru beverage shop based in Utah broke ground at the Grand at Aliana retail center in Richmond in October. The brand is known for its dirty sodas—over 100 combinations of a carbonated drink, cream and flavored syrup. • Opening in January • 10505 W. Grand Parkway S., Richmond • www.swigdrinks.com 5 WellMed WellMed is opening a new clinic that specializes in treating older patients in Sugar Land Town Square. WellMed provides a network of doctors, specialists and medical professionals trained to care for older adults. It offers extra support for those with multiple chronic conditions, such has diabetes and heart disease, per the company’s website. • Coming 2024 • 2521 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land • www.wellmedhealthcare.com

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The Flawless Closet carries tops, dresses, bottoms, rompers, jumpsuits and clothing sets. Additionally, the boutique sells accessories such as handbags, jewelry, and organizers for travel. Customers can shop online or in store. • Opened Sept. 29

Now open

1 The Flawless Closet A new women’s boutique opened in Missouri City this fall in the Kroger shopping center near Hwy. 6.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Coming soon

In the news

7 Dunkin’ Donuts Popular coffee and doughnut brand Dunkin’ is opening in Sugar Land next year, according to information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Menu items include espresso, coffees, frozen drinks, doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches and snacks. • Opening 2024 • 11930 Dairy Ashford Road, Sugar Land • www.dunkindonuts.com 6 Salad and Go This restaurant chain marketed as healthy fast food will open a location in Sugar Land before the end of the year. The restaurant serves made-to-order salads, wraps and breakfast burritos. According to its website, its goal is “to make fresh, nutritious food convenient and affordable for all.” A nearby location is in Richmond at 19110 W. Bellfort Blvd., Richmond. • Opening by end of 2023 • 18830 Noble Seven Lane, Sugar Land • www.saladandgo.com

9 Bagel Express In November, Sugar Land delicatessen Bagel Express will have served the community for three decades. Bagel Express keeps 20 types of bagels, seven cream cheeses, assorted muffins and pastries in stock, all made in-house. In addition to bagel sandwiches, breakfast options at the deli include omelets, French toast and avocado toast. • 4670 Hwy. 6 S., Sugar Land • www.bagelexpresssugarland.com

11 Sugar Land Farmer’s Market The city of Sugar Land announced it will take over the management of the Farmer’s Market at Imperial Park. The outdoor market has been operating since 2011 and will transition from the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s to the city’s management. The Farmer’s Market offers amenities such as ready-to-eat foods, spices, grass-fed meats, handcrafted jewelry, food trucks and live music. • 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land • www.facebook.com/FarmersMarketAtImperial

Land area on Oct. 10. The company is currently located at 13131 Dairy Ashford Road, Stafford. • Relocating end of 2024 • 6932 Brisbane Court, Sugar Land • www.modisoft.com

Closings

12 The Art Institutes The for-profit, private system of art schools with locations in eight cities—including Houston—announced the permanent closure of all schools Sept. 30. • Closed Sept. 30

Expansions

• 4140 Southwest Freeway, Houston • www.artinstitutes.edu/houston

10 UH Sugar Land Academic Building The University of Houston at Sugar Land broke ground on a new $65 million academic building on Oct. 5. The three- story, 75,000-square-foot building will primarily serve the Cullen College of Engineering-Technology Division. • Expanded Oct. 5 • 14000 University Blvd., Sugar Land • www.uh.edu/sugarland

Relocations

8 Modisoft This business software and solutions company broke ground on a new headquarters building in the Sugar

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY DANIEL WEEKS

Fort Bend County plans bus services for commuting to downtown Houston

Fort Bend County commission- ers Oct. 24 approved updates for an upcoming commuter services project that would bus residents to downtown Houston. The gist The commuter bus service project was previously approved by the court in 2018 and will receive funding through the Houston-Galveston Area Council Commute Solutions Program using funds from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality. It aims to “connect the rapidly growing regional suburbs in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County and the urban employment core of downtown Houston,” accord- ing to project documents. The project is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2024 with planning and marketing currently ongoing. What else? According to the stated goals of the project, the service intends to bring: • Reduced reliance on personal vehicles

Five-year plan The first five years of the project is expected to come with: • $9 million in total gross expenses • Over 500,000 annual passengers • $2.8 million in fare revenue

SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“By providing a reliable and convenient alternative to com- muting by personal automobiles, this project will encourage more individuals to choose transit over driving, thereby reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality,” a project document reads. Additionally, the documents state that the availability of downtown commuting services will improve economic opportuni- ties for residents due to reducing reliance on “expensive downtown parking” and allow for improved access to job centers. Information on the future sites of the com- muter services is not yet available.

• Enhanced transit options • Economic opportunities

County lifts burn ban due to rain

Fort Bend County Judge KP George officially rescinded a burn ban Oct. 6 that the Commissioners Court previously imposed Aug. 8. A news release from the county cited a decrease in high temperatures, an increase in rain and a drop in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index as reasons for canceling the burn ban.

What you need to know The burning guidelines set by the Texas Commission include: • No fire can be left unattended. • No fire should be within 50 feet of a residence or a structure. • No burning can take place at night.

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Emergencies happen. We’re right here when they do. A health emergency is something most of us would rather prevent than plan for. But when you need medical care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. As your community partner, St. Luke's Health is your direct path from feeling scared or uncomfortable to feeling better. Get to know more about our ERs before an emergency strikes. Find your nearest location at StLukesHealth.org/Emergency .

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY RACHEL LELAND

Vehicle inspection to no longer be required in Texas by 2025

Beginning in 2025, Texas drivers will no longer need to get their vehicles inspected. The framework On Aug. 5, Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3297 into law, which eliminates mandatory vehicle safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles. Drivers must still pay the annual inspection fee of $7.50 but will no longer need to take their vehicle in for inspection prior to registering it. If a vehicle was not previously registered, drivers will pay $16.75 instead and won’t be required to pay the $7.50 fee for the next registration year for the same vehicle. The 17 Texas counties that require annual emissions tests—including Dallas, Harris and Travis counties, along with several counties around Austin, Dal- las-Fort Worth and Houston—will continue to do so. Only 13 other states have mandatory vehicle inspections since the federal government ended the program requirement in 1976.

According to the professionals While proponents—such as state Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, who filed the bill—have argued mandatory vehicle inspections are unnec- essary, one vehicle inspector said he worries doing away with the requirement could put drivers’ safety at risk and threaten the survival of his business. “I just think it defies logic,” said Larry Harris, owner of Larry’s Auto Inspection in Houston. “If nobody is making sure the vehicles are safe, there’s going to be some unsafe vehicles on the street.” Larry Harris said he was particularly concerned about people being able to drive without their steering wheel, brakes or tires up to standard. Community Impact reached out to several state representatives from its coverage areas, but they declined to comment.

Inspection program replacement fee The $7.50 fee supports the following funds:

Texas mobility fund ($3.50) : Finances the construction, reconstruction, acquisition and expansion of state highways

General revenue fund ($2) : Serves as Texas’ primary operating fund

Clean air account ($2) : Safeguards Texas’ air resources, recovers the costs of permitting new or modified emission sources and recovers the costs of permit reviews and renewals

SOURCES: TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TXDOT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY APRIL KELLEY

Streak of daily traffic fatalities to reach 23 years in Texas

Nov. 7 will mark 23 years of daily traffic fatalities on Texas roadways, according to the Texas Depart- ment of Transportation, if the streak continues. The gist According to TxDOT, Texas has not had one day without a traffic fatality since Nov. 7, 2000. On average, the state sees 10 deaths on Texas road- ways each day. As of Oct. 6, 3,057 fatalities have occurred as a result of 2,757 fatal crashes, according to TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System. A total of 4,481 traffic fatalities occurred in 2022 in Texas, down 16 from the 4,497 that occurred in 2021, according TxDOT. Traffic fatalities, however, were higher in 2022 than they were in 2020, which saw 3,896 total traffic fatalities. Background TxDOT launched its #EndTheStreakTX cam- paign Nov. 15, 2016, to raise awareness of daily

5K 4K 3K 2K 1K 0 Traffic fatalities 2003-2023

*AS OF OCT. 6

17.24% increase from 2003-2022.

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Always obey traffic laws. • Always wear a seat belt.

traffic fatalities and to encourage safe driving, with the goal of ending the daily streak of deaths. TxDOT asks all Texans to: • Make the best and safest decisions behind the wheel. • Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

• Post pictures on social media with a download- able sign using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX. • Share personal stories on social media of loved ones who died in a crash using the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.

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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Buyers face challenges as loans resume

The breakdown

Poll: Have student loans affected your decision to buy a house?

Losey said student loans make it harder for households to save for buying a home. Data from the Texas Real Estate Research Center shows stu- dent loan debt nearly doubles the time it takes to save for a 5% down payment on a $217,000 home, for example, from 1 1/2 years to three years. According to a 2021 survey from the National Association of Realtors, 60% of millennials who do not own a home reported delays of at least three years in purchasing a home due to student loans.

Yes

No/don't know/don't wish to buy a house

Gen. X (Born 1965-1980)

Baby boomers (Born 1946-1964)

Millennials (Born 1981-1996)

Student loan payments resumed Oct. 1 after a three-year forbearance. As such, local real estate experts said first-time homebuyers in the Houston area are facing challenges alongside rising home prices and interest rates as well as limited housing inventory. Student loan payments were paused in response to the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March 2020. On average, Texans owe $26,273 each in student loan debt, according to Clare Losey, assistant research economist at the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

60%

53%

37%

SOURCE: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What experts say

Houston median home sales price

Cathy Trevino, chair of the Houston Association of Realtors, said resuming loan payments, rising home prices and limited inventory are causing a “trifecta of obstacles” for aspiring homeowners. However, Steven Craig, professor of economics and associate dean of faculty and research at the University of Houston, said he believes student loan payments resuming did not directly reduce housing demand, as borrowers were aware of their financial commitments.

+25.66%

$343,950

$333,000

$300,000

$265,000

Annual household income

10.9%

$30K

Sept. 2020

Sept. 2021

Sept. 2022

Sept. 2023

Numbers are based on the average monthly student loan payment of $273 in Texas.

8.2%

$40K $50K $60K $70K $80K $90K $100K

6.6% 5.5% 4.7%

SOURCE: HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: SEPTEMBER DATA IS THE MOST RECENT MONTHLY DATA AVAILABLE.

4.1% 3.6% 3.3%

Looking ahead

Tricia Turner, a Houston-based Realtor and owner of Tricia Turner Properties, said she recommends prospective homebuyers

renegotiate student loan payment plans for lower monthly payments and consider a 40- year mortgage to lower payments.

Percent of monthly income spent on student loan payment

100%

SOURCE: CLARE LOSEY, TEXAS REAL ESTATE RESEARCH CENTER AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Board Certified Gastroenterologist Gastroenterology Associates of Texas, PA Gregory L. Shannon, MD

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Morning Impact to your inbox. COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM�NEWSLETTER

SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Events

Real estate

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Number of homes sold

Vibe Artisan Markets This marketplace will host over 85 artists and creatives from Houston, Austin and Dallas; and incorporate live music, restaurants and photo ops with Santa. • Nov. 25, noon-5 p.m. • Free • 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land • www.sugarlandtownsquare.com Spiders and Creepy Crawlers The Play Street Museum will bring The Creature Teacher to Sugar Land for a morning of slithering, crawling and creeping with unique insects and animals. • Nov. 26, 9-10 a.m. • $25 per child

September 2022

September 2023

November

Residential market data

31 25

91 109

-19.35%

+19.8%

77498

77459

The ZIP code with the most active sales market, 77459, saw a significant increase in home sales year over year at 19.8%.

Brisket U BBQ Class at the Beerpark Texas Leaguer Brewing will host a class teaching how to smoke southern-style ribs. • Nov. 12, noon-3 p.m. • $94

74 70

20 22

-5.41%

+10%

77479

77489

• 13503 Pike Road, Missouri City • www.txleaguer.com/events

99 TOLL

22 13

Ali Wong Live Comedian, writer, actress and director Ali Wong will soon visit the Smart Financial Centre. • Nov. 12, 7 p.m. • Starts at $59 • 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land • www.smartfinancialcentre.net/events/ali-wong The Skin I’m in Book Club This Missouri City book club meets each month to discuss books featuring authors of color. In November, they’ll read “The Family Izquierdo” by Ruben Degollado. • Nov. 18, 11 a.m.-noon • Free • 1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City • www.fortbend.lib.tx.us

-40.91%

77478

Median home sales price

• 1912 Westcott Ave., Ste. 248, Sugar Land • www.sugarland.playstreetmuseum.com

Sugar Land Christmas Tree Lighting Ice skating, ice sculpture carving and festive photo ops are some of the hallmarks at Sugar Land’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy family activities, sweet treats and a countdown to the

2022

2023

77498

+4.14%

$302,000

$290,000

December

77498 77479 77489 77459

77478

77479

+2.02%

$504,500

$494,500

tree lighting up. • Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. • Free (admission)

Movie Under the Moon Families can attend a showing of Tim Allen’s “The Santa Clause” while sipping hot cocoa under the night sky. • Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m. • Free • 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land • www.sugarlandtownsquare.com

77478

-4.53%

$369,000

$386,495

• 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land • www.sugarlandtx.gov/918/ christmas-tree-lighting

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 ALINAWROGERS@YAHOO.COM

77459

-2.2%

$425,000

$434,710

77489

+4.64%

$253,750

$242,500

SUGAR LAND 3335 HWY 6 S (281) 313-4446 MISSOURI CITY 5418 HWY 6 (281) 403-0400

SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628 SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959

NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811

From the cover

Sugar Land 95 site plan revealed

The history

What’s being done

were leased out to private businesses that eec- tively privatized the state prison system. The property FBISD purchased to build the CTE center was part of the Imperial State Prison Farm, which opened in 1909, according to Goshawk Environmental Consulting, the archaeological rm FBISD hired to perform the legally required site evaluation. Some ocials and activists said they believe more deceased prisoners could be buried on former convict labor sites nearby.

According to the Texas State Historical Associ- ation, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution aimed at ending slavery in 1865 included the phrase “except as punishment for a crime,” leading to the creation of the prison convict leasing system to ll the Reconstruction Era’s labor shortage. Many African Americans were arrested, “often convicted of petty crimes, like walking on the grass, vagrancy and stealing food,” according to a 2021 Library of Congress article. The incarcerated

Olainu-Alade announced the completion of the memorial’s design at a Sept. 11 board meeting. The plans represent the result of work by MASS Design Group that began in spring 2022. Plans show the park—which is projected to cost between $4 million and $4.5 million—could take years to construct as it is solely dependent on donations for the construction. MASS Design Group’s design includes the following experiences and themes: • A sacred space for visitors to be with ancestors • Active stewardship • Community experiences and cultural celebrations • Commemorative rituals and memorializations • Attractively landscaped learning environment

Other projects

FBISD announced in July it purchased a prop- erty for a new elementary school near the site of what Jay Jenkins, co-founder of the advocacy nonprot called the Convict Leasing and Labor Project, and independent journalist Brittney Martin said they believe could contain other convict work camp cemeteries. Martin is the host of a podcast about the discovery of the Sugar Land 95 based on three years of research and reporting. The approximately 16 acres is located in Harvest Green, a 2,000-acre master-planned community. Construction is set to begin in mid-2024, and the school is estimated to open August 2026. Like all public entities that purchase land once owned by the state prisons system, FBISD is required by state law to work closely with the state to ensure no cultural artifacts are found, Jones said. If artifacts are found, the district must cease building projects until the Texas Historical Commission determines it has met every eort to protect the historical elements.

Approximate location of convict labor site

Future elementary school

This rendering shows the design plan for the site where the Sugar Land 95 are buried.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DAVE MANNING

In their own words

What’s in a name?

Origin of name: colloquial; named for the Bullhead Bayou area where six dierent camps were located History: unknown Bullhead Camp Cemetery discovered, many more remain buried. The real Bullhead Camp Cemetery is likely buried under development, but there were at least a half dozen other active labor camps in the area during the convict lease era,” according to the Convict Leasing and Labor Project website. Former Confederate ocer Littleberry A. Ellis owned agricultural property near Hous- ton, including in Fort Bend County, accord- ing to historical data gathered by Jenkins’ group. He said he believes the Sugar Land 95 site should be named the Ellis Cemetery, not the Bullhead Cemetery, based on historical information on the group’s website. “While the Sugar Land 95 site has been

“I’ve been so adamant about the need to have certain things done before we can move forward with memorializing or commemorating the history,

“Fort Bend ISD views the question about the cemetery name not as a point of controversy but rather as an opportunity for further collaboration and education around the undertold history of convict leasing in the state of Texas.” CHASSIDY OLAINU ALADE, COORDINATOR OF

and questions that I think [still] need to be answered.”

JAY JENKINS, PRESIDENT OF THE CONVICT LEASING AND LABOR PROJECT

COMMUNITY AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FOR FBISD

Next steps

Olainu-Alade said FBISD has spoken with three possible descendant families of the Sugar Land 95. She said anyone who suspects they are related to someone buried in the cemetery can contact admin@ principalresearchgroup.org. Marilyn Moore, the widow of Convict Leasing and Labor Project co-founder Reginald Moore, is the president of the Friends of the Sugar Land 95. The nonprot formed in mid-2023 as a partner organization to FBISD’s fundraising eorts to memorialize the Sugar Land 95. The group aims to attain a 501(c)(3) designation to work with FBISD for large donations. Moore said she believes in this way she can carry on her late-husband’s mission to commemorate the victims of the convict

Memorial project details 2025 projected

$4M-$4.5M estimated cost

groundbreaking for the memorial

Origin of name: Littleberry A. Ellis, owner of multiple camps History: 1880-1896 Ellis Cemetery [1 & 2]

$1.5M donated from Fort Bend County SOURCE: FORT BEND ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

leasing program. “He was passionate about the project to the point that it was concerning to me as his wife and the physical eect it was having on him,” she said. “[He] worked for the prison system and did the research [there]. … He knew the history of how things were done after slavery.”

The names of the deceased came from historical records. This information is then used to build family trees and contact living descendants.

buried near the James Reese Center. Based on available records there are 133 bodies

SOURCE: CONVICT LEASING AND LABOR PROJECTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Dining

BY ASIA ARMOUR

Kebobs are one of Pythagoras’ most popular menu items.

Pythagoras started as a pop-up restaurant at concerts and festivals with vegan pizzas as its most popular entree.

PHOTOS BY ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Sugar Land’s Pythagoras plants seeds for going vegan The story behind Pythagoras began with a truth that is largely unknown, said Roozi Avokhani, co-founder of the vegan restaurant in Sugar Land. “Basically all the Greek philosophers—Pythag-

location. “[At the time, there was] nothing out here in the form of fully vegan [restaurants], but there’s a good amount of vegetarian/vegan community out this way. When we were doing pop ups, people would come from Missouri City or Rosenberg,” she said. “We thought, ‘This might be where we’re supposed to be.’” Craving galactic vegan? The couple’s goal is to remain diverse and creative when it comes to concocting new and innovative vegan options for their menu, they said. “We call ourselves ‘galactic vegan’ because we have [inuence] from a little bit of [everywhere.] I’m Persian; she’s American; I had a cook ... who was Chinese; ... we had a cook who was Mexican,” Avokhani said. Pizzas were a main feature of the restaurant’s pop-up era and something the couple carried over to the restaurant space, they said. “Our top seller is the Annoying Vegan pizza, which is our stued-crust pizza,” Avokhani said. “When we started doing that, we were the only vegan restaurant in the entire Texas that was doing stued crust.” The restaurant also has a bar with creative cocktails, such as the Tipsy Mermaid, a coconut rum-based drink made with pineapple juice, re- ball, lime and orange liqueur, and the Alien Tears Martini, crafted with organic tart cherry juice and shaken with gin or vodka and dry vermouth.

The Tipsy Mermaid is one of many unique drinks from Pythagoras’ bar.

oras, Plato, Socrates—these guys were all raw vegans, meaning they only ate fruits, vegetables and nuts,” Avokhani said. “Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, ... at the time there was no term for veganism, but these people did not consume anything that came from animals.” How we got here It took two or three years for Avokhani to com- pletely cut out meat and any animal byproducts from his diet, Avokhani said, and only with the help and support of his now wife, Jaime Avokhani. In 2016-17, she became vegan herself. It started with preparing vegan recipes at home. Then, a friend of theirs opened a pop-up vegan restaurant for concerts and festivals that the couple often helped with, they said. Their shared background in the hospitality industry gave them an edge over other restaurant concepts, Jaime Avokhani said, through their emphasis on customer service. In fact, it opened the door for them to create Pythagoras when a customer who worked in commercial real estate encouraged them to start their own business, she said. The couple relocated to Sugar Land after the birth of their daughter. In her research for where to plant a vegan restaurant, Jaime Avokhani found that the southwest region of Houston was an ideal

Pythagoras co-founders Roozi and Jaime Avokhani opened the vegan restaurant in January 2022.

PARKWAY BLVD.

14019 Parkway Blvd., Ste. 101, Sugar Land https://pythagoras.space

SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Nonpro t

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Nonprot farm connects with incarcerated youth Cath Conlon carted trays of vegetables through the elevators at a multiuse development in the heart of Downtown Houston. The president and CEO of the nonprot Blackwood Educational Land Institute was bringing fresh crops from her Hempstead farm to one of biggest urban rooftop farms in Texas, Blackwood’s Skyfarm. Located at POST Houston, the organization’s mission is to reduce Houston’s carbon footprint and build community around food. The details In June, Blackwood piloted an eight-week program to provide urban agricultural education to residents in juvenile detention facilities. “They’re very young, pliable brains. There’s so much room to help mold them into being the best person that they can be, if they want to be,” Conlon said.

August Stubler was rst introduced to Blackwood farm and its educational opportunities as a youth at the farm’s Hempstead location. Now as an adult with a master’s degree in sustainable food systems, he brings his knowledge as a full-time farmer.

PHOTOS BY MELISSA ENAJECOMMUNITY IMPACT

LOUISIANA ST.

401 Franklin St., Houston https://blackwoodland.org

Aaron Flores, Blackwood’s chief operations ocer and lead farmer, tends to crops in October.

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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION

Dining

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

across the Houston metro, as recently reported by Community Impact . CI Foodie

Looking to get out of your neighborhood to try a new dining experience? Check out the following restaurant news from

Cypress

Pearland

Conroe

Healthy Delights Healthy Delights serves breakfast options including bagels and omelets as well as custom salads and rice bowls, crepes, wraps and smoothies. The eatery is open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. • Opened in mid-August

CrunCheese CrunCheese serves Korean-style hot dogs, which are lightly battered and deep fried before being drizzled with signature sauces, such as cheese mustard, garlic Parmesan and jalapeno ranch. • Opened Sept. 9 • 3422 Business Center Drive, Ste. 140, Pearland • www.cruncheeseusa.com

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux The sports bar and restaurant chain offers a sports- centric atmosphere along with a menu featuring a variety of food and drinks. The restaurant features Louisiana-inspired cuisine, including gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, crawfish and other Cajun and

Creole specialties. • Opened Sept. 18 • 1000 Outpost Drive, Conroe • www.walk-ons.com

• 9818 Fry Road, Ste. 130, Cypress • www.healthydelightsfood.com

Katy

Webster

New Caney

Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen

Bonchon Bonchon serves Korean fried chicken that is fried twice to make it extra flavorful. Chicken comes as bone-in or boneless wings, drumsticks, or strips. Other menu items include house-fried rice, pork buns, Korean tacos and Korean doughnuts. It has locations in Pearland, Houston and Katy. • Opened in September • 300 W. Bay Area Blvd., Webster • www.bonchon.com

Overall Crawfish and Seafood Overall Crawfish and Seafood was renovated to expand its menu and is now offering fried seafood, burgers, egg rolls and wings. Although crawfish is officially out of stock for the season, the restaurant will continue serving its new menu items. • Expanded July 6

Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen is now serving Italian cuisine and New York-style pizza in Katy. Its menu also features salads, soups, pastas, calzones, sandwiches, desserts and appetizers, such as truffle garlic knots. • Opened Aug. 28 • 22811 Morton Ranch Road, Ste. 130, Katy • www.nypizzeria.com

• 23193 FM 1485, New Caney • https://overall-crawfish-and- seafood.business.site

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

State

BY HANNAH NORTON & JESSICA SHORTEN

More than 60 Community Impact journalists across the state cover wide-ranging issues for local readers, delivering news to over 2 million mailboxes monthly and more than 100,000 inboxes daily. The stories below were curated for this community because of their impact in Texas.

Texas food banks face growing need amid inflation

Senate passes private school savings bill Texas senators approved a bill Oct. 12 that would set aside $500 million in taxpayer dollars to help families pay for private school tuition. The controversial proposal is a top priority of Gov. Greg Abbott. He directed lawmakers to tackle “education freedom” and other topics during the third special legislative session of the year, which began Oct. 9. Senate Bill 1 would allow families to apply to receive $8,000 per child to pay for private school tuition, books and other educational expenses.

As a number of pandemic-era supplemental food programs were discontinued in early 2023, food banks have struggled to meet demand. “There’s even some people who weren’t on [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program] benefits and weren’t benefiting from those extra allotments who we’re now seeing in our lines because they’re simply not able to make ends meet,” said Celia Cole, executive director of Feeding Texas, a statewide nonprofit that works to address food scarcity. Several bills went into effect in September providing additional thresholds for those in need of assistance.

2023 Texas SNAP benefits applications

SOURCE: TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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