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.

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Jan. 24, 2023: From conviction to clemency, one woman’s story; Teen on mental health in schools

Robin Farris is the first Black woman to receive a form of clemency in Colorado in thirty years. CPR race, diversity and equity reporter Elaine Tassy spoke with her and her attorneys, as well as the sisters of Beatrice King, who was killed, about the possibility of early release. Then, one teen’s take on mental health in schools. And a Colorado Wonders question about the state’s songs.
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Jan. 16, 2023: A home for Black culture at CU Boulder; Twins use their voices to inspire

A new center at the University of Colorado Boulder puts the focus on African and African American Studies and creates a space to build community. On this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, we re-share Chandra’s visit just before the center opened in the fall. Plus, twin brothers at East High School use their voices to inspire others on the national speech and debate stage.
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Jan. 6, 2023: Democrats on collaboration, gun safety, wildfires, funding, & working with Gov. Polis

Heading into next week’s legislative session, Democrats hold all three branches of Colorado’s state government. But they insist collaboration with Republicans will help define decision-making. We ask Senate President Steve Fenberg and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie about gun safety, wildfire response, education and state funding, and working with Gov. Jared Polis.
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Dec. 23, 2022: Our 7th Annual ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ brings love, laughter, and light

The Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza returns for a seventh year. Singer/songwriter Neyla Pekarek headlines, after a banner year of musical theater. The rabbi at one of Colorado’s oldest synagogues celebrates the light of Hanukkah. Meet some real winners from Colorado Springs. And dance to a Kwanzaa beat with an intergenerational troupe of Black women.