A Baltimore woman who runs a nonprofit received a surprise donation Tuesday, appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show for the launch of new campaign amplifying Black voices and businesses across the country.
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It was in February of this year when WBAL-TV introduced viewers to Shelley Halstead and her Black Women Build — Baltimore, a homeownership and wealth building initiative, training Black women in carpentry, electrical and plumbing by restoring vacant and deteriorating houses in west Baltimore so they can then live in them.
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“Because I want Black women to thrive and for me, I’ve been able to do that through real estate and understanding how to work on my own house,” Halstead said.
On Tuesday, Halstead appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” with Usher, as the host kicked off her #BeTheDifference campaign, highlighting Black voices and businesses around the country. At the end of the interview, Clarkson catches Halstead off guard with this surprise.
“I know you’re in the middle of building three new houses, so to help you with supplies, a new truck and whatever else you need, I’m just going to give you $50,000,” Clarkson said.
WBAL-TV 11 News caught up with Halstead on Etting Street at her latest project in west Baltimore.
She told 11 News the money will go a long way: “$50,000 — that blew me away it really did,” she said.
Halstead told 11 News it was a surprise and that a new van is in the picture.
“I’ve been driving my small pickup back-and-forth for ages and it takes so much time. It’s a stick shift, nobody can drive it and honestly I was hoping for a van,” Halstead said.
She also wants to build a community, office, tool storage lending library in a vacant lot on Etting Street, saying the money couldn’t have come at a better time.
“My hope would be that instead of seeing these as something that needs to be wiped away and with something new is that we can regenerate from within,” Halstead said.
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