Chandra Thomas Whitfield

Host/Producer, Colorado Matters

[email protected]

Chandra Thomas Whitfield joined CPR as a host and producer of its daily interview show, Colorado Matters, in 2022.

Professional background:
Whitfield has produced stories for NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Essence, Ebony and a number of other national media outlets. She also hosted and produced the award-winning podcast “In The Gap” from In These Times magazine, which explored how the gender pay gap and pay discrimination affects the lives and livelihoods of Black women who work in America.

A New Orleans native by way of Atlanta and Clark Atlanta University graduate, she is also an alumna of a diverse mix of journalism fellowship programs, including the Kiplinger Program in Public Affairs Journalism at the Ohio University and Ted Scripps Fellowship in Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder. Most recently she completed the Medill and The Garage Media Entrepreneur Fellowship with Northwestern University’s esteemed Medill School of Journalism.

Education:
Bachelor's of Arts degree in Journalism, Clark Atlanta University.

Awards/recognition:
Whitfield is the recipient of numerous awards for her writing, including “Journalist of the Year” awards from the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Atlanta Press Club, as well as honors from the Association for Women in Communications, the Colorado Association of Black Journalists and Mental Health America. An award-winning feature story she penned for Atlanta magazine is widely attributed with helping contribute to a change in Georgia law and a young man's early release from a 10-year prison sentence.

Water flows through a series of sediment retention ponds built to reduce heavy metal and chemical contaminants from the Gold King Mine accident
Colorado Matters

Aug. 19, 2025: Gold King Mine 10 years later; Bad behavior at the State Capitol

A decade ago this month, the Animas River in southwest Colorado turned bright orange after a toxic plume from the Gold King Mine spilled downstream. In the ten years since, what’s been the impact and what’s changed, or hasn’t, to prevent future problems? Then, Purplish examines what’s being done to address harassment and other workplace misconduct, both in-person and on social media, at the State Capitol as lawmakers return for a special session.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A woman wearing a pink sweater looks toward the camera. Her arms are outstretched and she's holding a glass and a ruler. She is in a kitchen with dark cabinets with bits of green tape on the cabinets.
Colorado Matters

Aug. 12, 2025: Aging Matters: What to know about downsizing, from selling your home to decluttering

Most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible as they get older. But if you do decide it’s time to downsize, where do you begin? In a special “Aging Matters on Colorado Matters,” we ask what to consider when selling your home and how to start getting rid of decades and decades of stuff. Then, a neighborhood health fair at a time when it’s needed the most. Also, “An Open Door” is a new documentary about CSU’s Temple Grandin, a legend in animal science and autism advocacy. Plus, the return of an immersive theater experience.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A framed portrait of baseball player Theodore "Bubbles" Anderson. He is wearing a green baseball cap and a baseball uniform. It is a head-and-shoulders image.
Colorado Matters

Aug. 5, 2025: Respiratory viruses could awaken dormant cancer cells; Honoring Theodore ‘Bubbles’ Anderson

New research shows that respiratory viruses, like the flu and COVID-19, could “wake up” dormant cancer cells. We speak with with James DeGregori, the senior author of the study and deputy director of the Colorado Cancer Center. Then, Theodore “Bubbles” Anderson was the only Colorado native to play in the Negro Baseball League. A century later, he’s been inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, thanks to the efforts of sports journalist Justin Adams.
By Carl Bilek and Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A woman is seated behind a studio microphone and holding hands with a man also seated behind a studio microphone. She is wearing a white shirt and he is wearing a grey shirt. They are looking at each other and smiling.
Colorado Matters

July 31, 2025: After 35 years, the triumphs of the Americans with Disabilities Act — and the work still to be done

It was 35 years ago that the Americans with Disabilities Act — widely known as the ADA — was signed into law, protecting the rights of people with disabilities in all areas of public life. Today, we look at its impact as it relates to transportation, as an advocate details the work still to be done. Then, a new executive order from President Trump aims to get cities to remove people who are unhoused from the streets. Also, meet Joel Medina — a tattoo artist in Thornton, whose own story of loss, recovery, and second chances is etched into every piece he creates.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Historic black and white photo shows people in the foreground looking at a flooded creek with a home askew on the shore.
Colorado Matters

July 29, 2025: Four Coloradans share the legacy of growing up Black in Cherry Creek

The legacy of Cherry Creek is rooted in Black history and it played a pivotal role shaping Denver into the city that it is today. Chandra Thomas Whitfield moderated a panel discussion called “Legacy of Cherry Creek: Growing Up Black in Denver’s Transforming Neighborhood” in front of an audience this spring. It was hosted by Arapahoe County Libraries to reflect and share the personal stories of four life-long Colorado residents whose families called Cherry Creek home, and some who still do.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Photo shows a vendor booth outside with a table filled with jars of pickles and am an in black clothing standing to the right.
Colorado Matters

‘I went from grief to growth:’ Marcus Weaver finds purpose and platform after surviving Aurora movie theater shooting

Marcus Weaver was shot twice but survived the Aurora movie theater 13 years ago, July 20, 2012. Out of the horrific act of violence, he ultimately found his purpose, and a platform, to advocate for social justice and to help others make better lives for themselves. That includes a workforce training business that taps into a family recipe, and resulted in “The People’s Pickles.”. He spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Jared Polis speaks with reporters after the State of the State address.
Colorado Matters

July 15, 2025: Gov. Polis pushes back on tariffs; Summer camp safety; Colorado’s poet laureate remembered

Gov. Jared Polis is pushing back against what he calls President Trump’s “reckless tariff policy.” Meanwhile, state lawmakers regroup after federal budget cuts and tax changes. Also, hear from a summer camp operator about wildfire and flood safety. Then, we remember Colorado’s poet laureate, Andrea Gibson, who died Monday at age 49 of ovarian cancer. And later, a CU graduate hopes to revolutionize audio with ethical AI.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
210329-BOULDER-SHOOTING-MEMORIAL-FLOWERS-SIGNS
Colorado Matters

July 10, 2025: ‘Senseless’ explores overcoming shared trauma and community resiliency; Celebrating Black Arts!

Trauma can be a shared experience, but the journey to process it and overcome is often silenced. A new podcast by journalist Erika Mahoney hopes to change that and create connection. Her father Kevin was killed in a mass shooting at a Boulder grocery store in 2021. Then, rebates for EVs will soon be scaled back. And the Colorado Black Arts Festival returns for a 39th year this weekend!
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Photo shows an exhibit with three display areas at the Pioneers Museum in Colorado Springs elevating Ute culture and history.
Colorado Matters

July 8, 2025: What’s next now that ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ is law; ‘Until Forever Comes’ elevates Ute culture

Now that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” has been signed into law, what’s next? And what might it indicate for an already-divided Congress moving forward? Then, elevating the past, present and future of Ute culture in Colorado. Plus, the state’s embrace of tattoos ahead of the Villian Arts 8th Annual Denver Tattoo Arts Festival. And, our fascination with fireflies.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield