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.

Nebraska Colorado Football

Nov. 20, 2023: Exploring diversity and inclusion as the ‘Prime Factor’ puts CU in the national spotlight

The “Coach Prime effect” has catapulted CU Boulder into the national spotlight, but some students say it doesn’t necessarily reflect the Black experience on campus. We’ll talk about diversity, inclusion, and representation with a third-year grad student, a graduate who now works on the campus, and the vice chancellor of student affairs, D’Andra Mull.

Nov. 14, 2023: Growing need to support an aging Colorado; Can the arts and AI share creative ground?

One in five Coloradans is older than 60. In Mesa County, that number is one in four. And it’s putting a lot of pressure on senior services like Meals on Wheels. Then, can something that wasn’t made by a person still be considered art? That question about artificial intelligence has sparked a contentious debate. And we celebrate a Colorado Centennial Farm.
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Nov. 9, 2023: Growth challenges in Colorado; Doctor returns home from Gaza

Colorado is growing, but at what cost? As people move here the state demographer talks about the challenges, the trade-offs and the trends. Then, Dr. Barbara Zind was in Gaza on a humanitarian mission when *Hamas* launched its surprise attack on Israel. Now, a month later, the Grand Junction pediatrician has returned home. Also, environmental education and “Coal Country” in Boulder.
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Nov. 7, 2023: Reaction to second Elijah McClain verdict; Psychological film ‘Soft Liquid Center’

After the latest verdict came down Monday afternoon, juries in Adams County has found two of the three officers who forcibly stopped Elijah McClain not guilty, with a third convicted of lesser charges. A discussion whether Elijah McClain has received justice, and what these verdicts mean for policing in Colorado. Then, the “reddest” part of Colorado. Plus, a psychological thriller, “Soft Liquid Center” is being shown at the Denver Film Festival.
Saira Rao and Regina Jackson

Nov. 2, 2023: Officer charged in McClain’s death takes the stand; ‘Deconstructing Karen’ challenges white supremacy

Nathan Woodyard, the officer accused in the death of Elijah McClain, takes the stand in his own defense. We’ll hear some of his testimony. Then, difficult, uncomfortable conversations about dismantling white supremacy with “Deconstructing Karen.” Later, the first run of the ski season is an annual challenge for two friends. Plus, Colorado’s lost ski resorts.
Deconstructing Karen

‘Deconstructing Karen’ aims to dismantle white supremacy and racism

Regina Jackson, a Black woman, and Saira Rao, an Indian American woman, are co-authors of a New York Times best-seller called, “White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better” and the documentary, “Deconstructing Karen,” based on their event founded in Colorado called “Race 2 Dinner.” It brings groups of white women together for difficult conversations about racism and dismantling white supremacy.
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Oct. 31, 2023: Politicizing school board races; A culinary celebration of Día de los Muertos

Election Day is a week away and some local school board races have become a focal point in the political divide. CPR education reporter Jenny Brundin reports. Then, Día de los Muertos is a time of remembrance and a celebration of life. Food is a central part of it. Chef Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack joins us. Plus, a scary Halloween story from D.L. Cordero.
CLERGY ABUSE REPORT

Oct. 26, 2023: Report on domestic violence in Colorado; New Speaker of the House

For a second consecutive year, domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high in Colorado. A new report, just released by Colorado’s Attorney General’s office, provides details. And we hear from a woman who calls herself a victor — not a victim. Then, the U.S. House is back to work after finally electing a new Speaker. CPR’s Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim, has been following the weeks of drama closely.
Kyle Speller Denver Nuggets Announcer Chaplain

Oct. 24, 2023: State lawmakers with roots in Israel, Gaza; Meet ‘the voice’ of the Nuggets

As the war escalates between Israel and Hamas, we hear from state lawmakers with roots in the region. Then, as the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets start their new season, a familiar voice will call the players to the court. Kyle Speller begins his 19th year as the team’s stadium announcer. He’s also the team chaplain. Plus, how did “No Name” get its name? And rethinking how we buy and discard clothing.
Aborton Trans Laws Colorado

Oct. 19, 2023: Abortion access in Colorado after 50 years; Perseverance marks ‘Lessons in Chemistry’

Thirty percent of abortions in Colorado last year were for people from out of state, and that number’s increasing. We talk with Linda Weber who helped found the first clinic in Colorado with abortion access 50 years ago. Then, a closer look at what’s on the November ballot. And, we remember playwright and arts mentor Ken Grimes. Also, a Fort Collins native helms “Lessons in Chemistry.”
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Oct. 17, 2023: Proposition HH and property taxes; Why is leaded fuel still used at small airports?

One of the statewide issues voters will decide in this election is Proposition HH, designed to lower property taxes. We look at both sides with Purplish, CPR’s podcast about politics and policy. Then, why do small airports still use fuel containing lead for planes? Also, a new LGBTQ+ community center opens soon in Colorado Springs. And we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the Blue Book.