About
Our Story
The Cultural Roots Society (CRS) was founded to illuminate the untold legacies of enslaved people and their descendants—stories too often absent, fragmented, or misrepresented in mainstream historical narratives. Recognizing that national museums and landmark sites usually overlook the intellectual, cultural, and personal contributions of enslaved communities, CRS was established to address this gap with a bold, innovative approach to historical interpretation and community engagement.
From its inception, CRS has been guided by a commitment to truth-telling and empowerment. By partnering with presidential estates, landmark sites, and commemorative Black landscapes, CRS ensures that the full spectrum of history is shared—acknowledging both the hardships of enslavement and the enduring ingenuity, resilience, and cultural contributions of the people who lived and labored there.
Though a newly established organization, CRS is built on the expertise of scholars, descendants, and cultural leaders who bring decades of collective experience in archival research, oral histories, archaeology, and digital humanities. The Society uses innovative tools, including AI-assisted analysis, to process complex historical records, making them accessible and actionable for scholars, students, and the public.
CRS is also a forward-looking organization with a vision for empowering future generations. Through internships, fellowships, mentorship, and experiential programs, CRS prepares the next generation of Black historians, archaeologists, museum professionals, and heritage leaders. In doing so, the Society ensures that these stories are not only preserved but also carried forward with integrity, creativity, and impact.
By combining research rigor, technological innovation, and descendant-led engagement, CRS is uniquely positioned to transform how communities, scholars, and the public understand and interact with the histories of enslaved people. The work of CRS is urgent, necessary, and catalytic, reclaiming narratives, restoring visibility, and inspiring a more inclusive understanding of America’s past.
At the Cultural Roots Society, we honor the past to empower the future, transforming memory into action and cultivating a legacy that endures for generations.
Email: george@theculturalrootsociety.org
Phone: 804.882.3348
George Monroe Jr. is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Cultural Roots Society, a national initiative dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusive education that honors the full breadth of America’s history. Envisioned as a movement for truth, unity, and social reconciliation, The Cultural Roots Society advances cultural preservation as a tool for empowerment supporting educators, historians, and communities in telling the stories that shape collective identity and justice.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, historian, and former Senior Vice President for several Fortune 100 and 200 banks, George brings an exceptional record of leadership in both public service and corporate governance. His expertise in Risk Management and Compliance guided major financial institutions through periods of transformation, and that same disciplined approach defines his leadership in cultural preservation and nonprofit management today.
A direct descendant of the nation's fifth President, James Monroe, as confirmed through family oral history and DNA research, George represents a living link between the nation’s founding and its evolving journey toward whole truth storytelling and belonging. He is a contributing author of The Rubric for Teaching Slavery, a nationally recognized framework sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Rubric establishes guiding principles for interpreting the history of slavery with accuracy, empathy, and integrity setting new standards for museums, educators, and historic sites across the United States and beyond.
Over the course of his career, George’s work and commentary have been featured by NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Le Monde (France), and WUSA-9 (Washington, DC). He holds a Master of Arts in History from the University of Richmond and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Virginia Union University (HBCU).
His passion for elevating the significance of African American history and culture continues to guide his work to ensure that every community sees itself reflected in the story of America.
Articles and Appearances
“An International Model for Descendant Led History Telling and Academic Research Focused on Black Intelligentsia." Presenter, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASAHL)
“President Monroe’s descendants rewrite his story decades later.”, WUSA 9 (Washington, DC)
“Descendants of enslaved Blacks explore Virginia history.”, IBW21 (Editor's Choice, National Online)
“James Monroe enslaved hundreds. Their descendants still live next door.”, The New York Times (Front Page cover)
“Bringing to the table: Engaging descendant communities in research at W&M.”, William & Mary News
“La plantation de Monroe aux États-Unis, le lourd héritage des descendants d’esclaves.”, Le Monde (France)
“A former plantation begins to tell a fuller story of slavery in America.”, NPR (All Things Considered)
“A Distinctively American Journey: A Discussion with George Monroe, Jr.”, James Madison's Montpelier
“The U.S. Constitution and the African American Experience.”, James Madison's Montpelier
George Monroe, Jr. - Founder and CEO, The Cultural Roots Society
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