Michael Strahan discovers his familial roots and history of Shankleville | Prime

Michael Strahan learns of his deep-rooted family history of Shankleville, an East Texas freedom colony, and meets his long-lost cousins as part of the #10MillionNames project.
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[@raxstinejrogers9931]

The fact that Jim Shankel walked 400 miles after fleeing risking his life for Winnie,and then to go on to accomplish so much together is the most beautiful love stories I have ever heard😭 ...amazing story, love is not grand like this anymore...

[@jashanestone]

That last part can be said again, from the top of the highest mountain. ✅💯💪🏾

[@lareinelester685]

Like the song says, "When a man loves a woman..." 😂They sure don't make them like that anymore. That was some powerful love.

[@jameslogan4534]

Black people and especially black men have that same struggle today and my problem is that there are black women of modern times complaining that black men never build anything, but if you go into our history black men and women have built whole cities and community's only to be destroyed by racism, and what will destroy us before racism ever will is entitlement of today's modern black women, cause we're only good if we are together, but they don't need no man.

[@MsSonya6]

And she recognized his voice from afar ❤

[@countrysister700]

I just returned to Texas from Florida vacation which included a round trip through deep east Texas and across Louisiana into Mississippi. More snakes than people then and now. Jim was a brave, tough, love-sick fellow! She no doubt loved him equally and that deep love made for great things to come. Blessings to all those decendants

[@billsgotmedointhis]

I'm Pacific Islander and I feel this type of Black History is so important because it's American History. As we see a lot of school districts/colleges trying to silence that part of History but as long as we have access like this; you can't kill off the truth. Stories like these will always continue as long as the next generation continues the legacy. Truly enjoyed this story. ❤

[@jashanestone]

That whole statement is the most truest! They may try to silence history but they can not and will not silence our DNA. Our ROOTS are 10 toes DEEP into this American and African soil. We are the true beings of this beautiful planet. ✅💯❤💪🏾

[@bigvalley4987]

You right my people. I felt proud for him🫶🏾To have a ideal where you came from…

[@ricoferguson5158]

I found out that I have 5% Pacific Inlander in me. Where is that?

[@lophan9125]

Are you gonna remember the history of the blacks committing all this murders and robbery of the millennium.

[@henryhill1876]

We as black ppl are strong!

[@brownbagz]

This is beautiful! I swear, our people have done so much and been through so much! Bless Michael that he was able to find his people!

[@MattyNelson-rs3ik]

Hope he picks a Black woman to be it,,

[@brownbagz]

@MattyNelson-rs3ik Me too, but he probably won't!

[@cornelldavis6703]

@@MattyNelson-rs3ikBut it will be a Black person so that’s great !!

[@FactsOnlyPlease.]

And now he travels thousands of miles chasing white women! These brothers I will never understand …

[@shebrew4807]

But not finding or told the truth. 🤔

[@OneTakeTuber]

This makes my soul ache of how much of our history is buried. I'm happy that he reconnected with his families history

[@sylviacarlson3561]

This was so interesting. I am a white woman and I love Black History. I have always found it fascinating and inspiring. Thank you for this

[@angelagabriel1274]

My Ancestry DNA results show that I am related to Shankle and the Odom families of Shankleville, Texas. However, I am from the Caribbean. Michael Strahan shares the characteristic split between the teeth with my dad and my daughter. This explains why I have so many DNA matches to persons from Texas. This is a pleasant surprise.

[@RosalindGash]

Some plantation owners in the Caribbean started plantations in the US and took some of their enslaved to the new plantation. It might be that a family was split up, with some being taken to the Texas plantation and the rest staying on the Caribbean plantation. That would explain it.

[@sylviacarlson3561]

Wow that's really cool Angela!

[@LilliLamour]

I'm from Texas and my family has the gap as well.

[@champion20199]

I started looking and started gathering information about my ancestry and got to a point that I halted my search, because it was outrageously terrible, very bad.

[@scorpiocara6798]

Dang

[@sharmaineclif6731]

I always get emotional hearing the stories not because I am sad but because I am proud. This is important to eceryone of us. To know who came before us. ❤

[@user-if4df7lk1z]

Brought tears to my eyes

[@oliviahilton1638]

Very emotional. Brings to mind all the hard work, sacrifices, and commitment to family and community that I witnessed my grandparents make during their lifetime. What they had seemed so little back then but today it is so richly invaluable.

[@kathytallman8175]

I'm not African American, but I really feel the need to say how amazing these people were/are for what they had/have to go through. I know that me saying how proud I am of the people that work so hard every day for everything they have achieved. Thank you for never giving up 😊❤

[@Marcusmusick]

What a story of endurance, resilience, triumph and LEGACY. That is why BLACK ⚫ 🖤 is POWERFUL!! WE OUTLIVE, OUTLAST & SURPASS OUR OPPRESSION & OPPRESSORS!!!

[@jashanestone]

And their lineage today, hates this about us and, especially those of us that knows our history. ✅💯❤💪🏾

[@lindawalker5144]

This was compelling and absolutely breathtaking, i thank God that Michael was able to trace his roots and literally visit the community to meet the pioneers that labored in love.

[@tyardovdabulldht2340]

I'd definitely buy a few bottles of that Wine!

[@ReynaDeOro]

I hate what Jim, Winnie, millions of others went thru. But gosh looking at Jim and Winnie seeds thrive, that put a smile on my face. I love their love ❤❤❤

[@patriciaclark54]

God bless them for what those two loving souls did for this community, and the generations to come

[@alexism4223]

Proud of Michael and ABC for doing this.

[@poppykok5]

Thank you so much for airing this on KZbin...I've always had a deep interest in history, & I find this story fascinating...It really is so important to preserve the past...How fortunate for Michael Strahan that he was able to meet his cousins & learn about his family history...I got teary-eyed while I watched him stand in awe at his Grandfather's headstone...

[@Speechlesswoman]

This is so touching. I was born in a small town in East Texas. Good for you Michael.

[@mpalmer7800]

This is what Desantis does not want taught in his slave state Florida!!!!! Keep the history of our black ppl alive!!!! Every black Americans should read this book Before Freedom 48 oral histories of former North and South Carolina Slaves. By Belinda Hurmence

[@littlebit820]

So cool I'm happy for him he comes from good people who went though a lot and and pulled through. The story was the best he travelled 400 moles to findt

[@shondahamilton752]

There’s no greater love, joy and accomplishment than for an African American to discover their true roots and #ancestry. Congratulations 🎊 #michaelstrahan! ✊🏿 #shankleville 400miles, a love story, 4000 acres, #texas, #purplehullpeas, #selfsufficientblackcommunities, #jimandwinnieshankle,, #dna, #nightline, #africa, #homecoming, #freedomcolonies. 10:39

[@davidsuch8942]

Half of you look nothing like Africans anymore

[@johnwebb2442]

Love it.

[@PTSDeeD212]

"Ye'aint make no corn bread with it... But I'll leave you alone." I love us!🖤🖤🖤✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽

[@anntrope491]

I am a huge fan of Mr. Strahan...a genuine nice guy...who deserves all good things in his life. Hard working, & honest. Sweet man. ♡☆♡

[@ethelliddell8595]

❤ congratulations Michael for finding your family Roots

[@annewilliams8221]

Jim & Winnie!!!!

[@lareinelester685]

Wow he comes from a powerful family. It's nice to see Michael has a family cemetery where he can see all his past relatives.

[@shelbyden23]

This is a beautiful story! This is one area where they didnt destroy prosperous black towns. Im glad to see it.

[@ruffinarector541]

Wow, this bought me to tears!!! What a beautiful legacy!!! Thank you Mr Strahan for sharing!!!! I hope someday to discover my family history.

[@sylviabrown9819]

It's the resilience for me!!! This was awe-inspiring. I think about my Big Momma. Uncles, Aunts and Mother...Thank you Jess for their strength and Faith!

[@higher2007]

I sung at the Homecoming that Sunday morning, im honored

[@snakedog77]

Wow that was fantastic. When they leave us alone, we flourish as black people.

[@ramonagoodman3811]

Always like Michael Stratham just something about him so glad he was able to find where he comes from

[@LEM19284]

Wonderful story. I’m happy for Michael.

[@letsbeencouraged3074]

Love this going back in Black History and finding the richness (in more ways than 1) in it 🥰 Good for You Michael in finding Your Roots 🤗

[@sharyjay]

Rich Black History indeed 🥰🙌🏾👏🏾

[@2075vj]

Thank you Micheal for sharing your family history with us. I to have a large family and every year we have a family reunion. We cover the history when they came here. The properties that my grandfather had, and some of which he had to give up due to racism. and we still have the original house and the land in our family. So I relate to your story very much. Thanks again..🙏🏽

[@hermosasons1]

Oh my my my. 😢what a beautiful story. ❤ This really touched my heart. We need more beautiful stories like this. I really enjoyed this clip to the maximum. B.A.E. Blessings Always Everyday ❤ this is my meaning of B.A.E. ❤ Dubai

[@tlynn1993]

Why u aint make no cornbread with it...yes Michael🔥

[@precioustraveler]

That was great. So glad that history was shared. ❤

[@Tippy150]

I would love to have some of those purple hull peas. God bless this family❣️

[@lagringa7518]

This is a wonderful story, thank you. A shame more people don't know about Shankleville!

[@tayarihorcey4074]

This is a beautiful story

[@clairebear1808]

I love this story. Thanks for sharing 🤗😘🙏

[@1972Ventura455ho]

What a incredible story and to think people never ever think about where they come from or cares blows me away.

[@sharonhughes1149]

Thank God for undying love between Winnie and Jim. They worked hard to provide a home for their people. ❤❤❤

[@ashleyyoung5180]

Such a beautiful story ! Love , resilience, family , real black history ,tradition, the past and the future such a well told and documented part of history . They enslaved their bodies but never their heart, mind and sole ! A feel good story and reminder that anything is possible .

[@teresaesquivel2040]

A black dude hit my girlfriend in the face INFRONT out 4 Year old the daughter may the devil consume your soul for spreading lies

[@yvonneplant9434]

​@@teresaesquivel2040A white man deliberately killed three black people whom he did not know in Jacksonville. Any other stuff you want to share?

[@stickum4147]

​@teresaesquivel2040 you have a four year old daughter from your girlfriend? Why not marry her after using her body for four years and giving her a baby? Is she not good enough? May your soul burn in hell for not respecting that beautiful woman.

[@dafodillllewellyn6844]

This is the stories RON DESANTIS wanted to be buried under the sand.

[@moniquemahon7396]

The lisp is in the entire family ❤

[@misscaliluv1561]

Beautiful!

[@sherryab3964]

I’m of white European ancestry. My ancient DNA tells another story not that different from every human living on this planet: with a journey beginning in Africa. I have a degree in music specializing in jazz. It was then that I decided to study further in African history and Black American history. This should be a compulsory subject in all schools so we can learn from it. We all should own our history. Mine, unfortunately, are responsible for slavery. I own it and I speak out against racism, I educate people on history. I can only, with the greatest humility, apologize for my history and educate others on their paths to how we got here. God bless this community and many other communities steeped in the rich history of the incredible perseverance, courage and faith to survive and demand equality. Let’s go forward and share each other’s histories, discuss it, share it and focus on equality for all. ❤

[@RMTbeccalemire]

This is so beautiful

[@ajordan1847]

4000 acres, wow, what a legacy! Great story!

[@lovelifeenjoy6554]

This is awesome and beautiful love story that built legacy🤍continuous blessings.

[@philliplyn2692]

Loving this one thanks for sharing very information blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@jayelove1504]

I know exactly where this is....like in the Jasper/Newton County area in Deep East Texas....lots of great cooks and good cooking down there.....Michael is probably related to some cousins of mine who are Shankles!!💜🙏

[@thomasholt63]

Outstanding joyful for you and me to find out about how your ancestors lived and how they worked hard to make a living and I did the same thing my family roots goes back to Ireland and I am African American but I do have Irish and native American Indian in my blood line also.

[@TracyAllenVideos]

This was such a beautiful and powerful story! I love Michael Strahan and I just had goosebumps listening to all of this. But I am really touched to see the younger generation choosing to continue the legacy on this property! That’s a rarity nowadays. So much of our youth want nothing to do with continuing the legacy of the people that came before them. They don’t want to continue the family businesses or live in the same home or city they grew up in. I understand the need to do something different… I’m from Pittsburgh PA, and have no desire to move back. I live in San Diego and absolutely love it here. But I don’t have any property or any real roots for me to feel like I’ve walked away from any unfinished business there. AnyWho… I’m glad I came across this story today🙏🏾🥰

[@pandorabox6951]

hi , there are so many within the younger generation here in the south that continue the positive legacies

[@geisalagordon9966]

This is awesome! Michael's family is in Texas, and deep as well as rich in history!

[@kimgardner2281]

Rich and inspirational

[@Danny-fs1hk]

This history is so phenomenal. Thank you for covering this story!

[@anthonyclarke860]

Wonderful Historic story

[@dreamsofturtles1828]

I am white and in AWE of what these people accomplished against all odds, in such a relatively short amount of time. Starting with one man's love for a woman and being willing to risk life and limb ( I understand they used to cut off the feet of runaway slaves) to be with her. What a rich heritage, what amazing people. Respect

[@nastasiastaten8363]

Oh they cut feet,eyes,hands,privates and all if u ran away..they woule beat and sometimes rape them in front of the plantation tied up

[@louisnathaniel5424]

The story of Jim and Winnie sounds like a movie.

[@citychicdoc1596]

Just beautiful.

[@ohreally404]

I'm happy Michael got a chance to discover and actually see a bit of his family history. The people here seem so genuinely nice and friendly, this is the type of town I want to live and retire in, so sick of city life

[@VettsClass]

Absolutely Amazing Story 🙌🏿✨

[@brendacox4359]

I love this story and I hope more stories will brought to life. It's part of our history that should never be forgotten and always available to everyone ♥️ This brought tears to my eyes and gives me hope to find my family and their stories.

[@telak2]

This is beautiful! I’m in tears.❤

[@vincentrobinson3078]

This was a very nice piece !!!

[@locgama3630]

His grandfather was born in 1880 !!! That’s like 5 generation for me and my relatives from that period . Bless him and his large family.

[@idm1738]

Awesome, amazing and heartwarming story ❤️❤️❤️

[@keyawnspoor9903]

❤love this story ❤

[@tracywilson2538]

I enjoyed hearing about your history! Beautiful ❤❤

[@DigGyaSELF]

I wish it didn't take money to figure out who or where we really came from!😢 I love these stories. Thanks for sharing your piece of American History!!

[@dicksaunders7543]

All of us have family histories we must discover and rediscover and I am so thankful to my ancestors for the history they left behind to me that I have been able to bestow onto my children.

[@jparker59able]

What a lovely and amazing story.

[@scorpiocara6798]

Absolutely amazing history

[@slayaw99]

This is wonderful! I had a very similar experience when I learned about my Thompson family line from Skunk Hollow NY/NJ. Thank you for sharing!

[@tranquilshorestravelagency9641]

Wow it's amazing how dna and traits are passed along. Michael and his cousins have the same voice.❤❤

[@t-babyyupressed2906]

This Really Good For My Soul

[@farookjahoor4977]

Absolutely phenomenal! We need to see more of these positive stories of peoples' struggles and successes not only on PBS but on other networks and media outlets. A welcome change from the usual hype and hysteria that passes for entertainment these days.

[@karencooper9831]

What a great story❤

[@jenniferwiggins8404]

Thanks for sharing your family!❤️👏🏾

[@simoneabundance7641]

This is a beautiful story I'm so happy that Mr.Michael find out about his roots & his family ancestory! 🤎🙏🏻

[@Janetsfaithtable]

That’s so special ❤

[@dalekabundji8629]

This is so beautiful. Is this story the inspiration of Django ? Has lot of similarities

[@kathyshoeshop2324]

Great story. Well told!!

[@NanaOneAZ]

Such a heartwarming story. ♥

[@kerlinenoel7309]

Wow! I am trembling!❤❤❤

[@cheryljones6677]

I really enjoyed listening to this story and documentary of Michael's ancestry and history. Love you Michael and wishing you the best blessings now and in your future journey.. How can I know more about that wine and where can I purchase it???? Lol😊 Thank you. God bless

[@wilmer4258]

His is so amazing!!! What a wonderful legacy these brave peoplr have left for the future gemerations. Simply amazing!

[@flavaenhancer3908]

Simply beautiful

[@mrwhitefolks1211]

Bless u mike all love from detroit....i know this was amazing❤❤❤

[@renaepetersen2393]

How wonderful!

[@kathyrambo2776]

I LOVE HISTORY ❤ THANKYOU 😊

[@lmichelle924]

Loved your story on "Finding Your Roots!" This brings it all together...I'm in Texas, hopefully I will make it to Shankleville one day and be able to try her wines!

[@caramelhoni6881]

Just AWESOME!!!

[@susieellison3676]

Love it ❤thanks for sharing ❤

[@dwaynedouglas8614]

This was so moving!!!

[@christinebryant8354]

That was beautiful Micheal.

[@sharona.mcgowan152]

Wow, what a beautiful success story and a very interesting & enlightened part of history... alot to be proud of 👍👏👏👏💜😀

[@kimwillis2933]

Beautiful!❤

[@Djexoticdancing69]

I'm happy for Michael that he was able to go back to visit. His ancestors his grandfather. Aint meet his relatives that he had never met awesome job to all those people. That made this happen for Michael.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍💯💝🙏