The Jim & Winnie Shankle Foundation
What if one true great love story could inspire millions more?More than 150 years ago, Jim & Winnie Shankle helped build one of America's earliest freedom communities after slavery.Their legacy became Shankleville, Texas.But their greatest achievement wasn't a town.It was the love, commitment, faith, and family legacy that made everything else possible.Today, at a time when loneliness is rising, relationships are struggling, and fewer young people believe lasting love is possible, we believe their story matters more than ever.Co-Founded by Stephen & Mary Shankle Grant, fourth and fifth generation direct descendants of Jim & Winnie Shankle. The Jim & Winnie Shankle Foundation exists to inspire a new generation to believe that love is worth pursuing, commitment is worth honoring, marriage is worth aspiring to, and family is worth building. We call it:THE LOVE RENAISSANCE A movement to make love, marriage, family, and community aspirational again.
OUR MISSION
The Jim & Winnie Shankle Foundation is dedicated to strengthening families and communities by inspiring a new generation to value love, commitment, marriage, healthy relationships, and family through education, mentorship, youth development, cultural programming, community outreach, and initiatives that promote respect for women and girls, emotional well-being, leadership development, and long-term community impact.
What We’re Building
The Love Renaissance
A cultural movement inspiring the next generation to believe in love, commitment, marriage, family, and legacy.
Juneteenth Celebration
A celebration of freedom, family, culture, community, and music.
Annual Benefit Concert
A signature event honoring women and girls while supporting initiatives that strengthen families and communities.
Youth & Community Initiatives
Mentorship
Leadership Development
Educational Programs
Community Outreach
Cultural Preservation
PARTNER WITH US
We actively pursue strategic partnerships with artists, celebrities, brands, educators, pastors, churches, corporations, media companies, nonprofits, civic leaders, and cultural institutions that believe stronger marriages, healthier families, and connected communities help create a more hopeful, unified, and prosperous nation for future generations.
Together, we can inspire the next generation to build something that lasts.
Mary Shankle Grant
Co-Founder
Stephen C. Grant
Co-Founder