Origin Story
As lifelong educators, we have been deeply moved to act in response to the current regressive geopolitical climate. We've merged our shared passions—history, cultural exploration, and meaningful travel—with our backgrounds in education and entrepreneurship to form the Roots and Routes Collective (RRC). We were proud to launch the RRC in alignment with the United States Semi-quincentennial (250th anniversary, 1776–2026), highlighting the experiences, achievements, and contributions of African Americans throughout the country's history.
Roots and Routes Collective curates "Heritage Journeys," travel and learning experiences that honor the voices of our past and illuminate pathways to our future. We are committed to connecting individuals to Black American cultural heritage through immersive journeys that celebrate Black American resilience, creativity, and legacy across generations and geographies.
By walking in the footsteps of those who came before us, we rediscover identity, reclaim narrative, and reimagine what’s possible — together.
Our Mission
To create immersive journeys that spark curiosity, expand perspectives, and cultivate a deeper appreciation of our collective past—while inspiring an empowered vision for the future.
Our Vision
To help individuals connect with history on a personal level through engaging, transformative travel and educational experiences.
2025-2026
Our first program—The Story of Us: U.S. Semi-quincentennial explored the early years of the African American experience in America. Our thematic Heritage Journeys included:
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The Fight for Freedom + Free People of Color
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Aug. 2025 - Heritage Journey to Cambridge, MD to explore the legacy of Harriet Tubman.
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Sept. 2025 - Heritage Journey to Annapolis, MD to learn of the accomplishments of Frederick Douglass and Benjamin Banneker.
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Reconstruction + Political Empowerment
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Jan. 2026 - Heritage Journey to Charleston, SC to experience Gullah Geechee culture and the era of Reconstruction.
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2026-Beyond
The Story of Us continues as we Explore the Black Diaspora. Our upcoming Heritage Journeys will include the:
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Oct. 2026 - Heritage Journey to New Orleans to experience Creole culture and explore the history of this great city. Through the thematic lens of The Fight for Freedom + Free People of Color, we will learn about the lives of enslaved and free people of color; and we will honor the creativity and strength of African Americans by exploring the birthplace of jazz and visiting historic neighborhoods through the themes of Civil Rights + the Children of the Movement and Black Is Beautiful.
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Apr. 2027 - Heritage Journey to Chicago to continue the theme Black Is Beautiful of by visiting the new Obama Presidential Center and enjoying a performance at the Black Ensemble Theater, and learn about the Great Migration and other historical events by visiting the DuSable Black History Museum.
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July 2027 - Heritage Journey: Blacks in Canada to explore the history and culture of the Black diaspora in Montreal and Halifax (Nova Scotia).
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July 2028 - Heritage Journey: Blacks in Paris to explore the history and culture of the Black diaspora in Paris and other French cities.
Email/Text/Call us for more info (see below).
Heritage Journeys:
The Story of Us
Upcoming Events
Join us August 29 :
Open House
Featuring Guest Speaker
(Topics: Entrepreneurship & Building Wealth through Real Estate)
Email/Text/Call us for more info (see below).
Become a Friend of Roots and Roots Collective
2905 Mitchellville Rd, Suite 101
Bowie, MD 20716
301-228-0959
