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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Oct. 12, 2023: Denver Basic Income seeks homelessness solutions; Matthew Shepard’s legacy

There’s no “one size fits all” solution for homelessness, but one big idea being tested is literally giving unrestricted money to those struggling. We ask how the Denver Basic Income Project is working out and hear from a man who says it’s transformed his life. Then, 25 years ago… a young college student named Matthew Shepard was brutally attacked and left for dead — all because he was gay. His parents reflect on his legacy and their ongoing work toward acceptance.
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Oct. 10, 2023: Is the consent decree resulting in police reform in Aurora?

The forceful tactics Aurora police used to stop and subdue Elijah McClain four years ago, and protests a year later, led to a state investigation. It concluded that the Aurora Police Department has a pattern of racist policing. As a result, Aurora became the first city in Colorado placed under state oversight. It’s now required to overhaul its policies and practices. We ask how that consent decree is going.
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Oct. 5, 2023: New exhibit showcases Colorado’s Black history; Student loan questions and answers

Colorado’s Black history is diverse and rich, but not widely known. A new exhibit, “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History,” is working to change that by illuminating the stories of Black people across the state. It’s at the Museum of Boulder. Then, student loans have come due after a pandemic reprieve. We’ll talk about the changes and things to consider.
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Oct. 3, 2023: Challenging Colorado’s new gun laws; New support for survivors of domestic violence

Colorado’s legislature has been passing stricter gun laws at an unprecedented pace. But opponents have a new tool to try to roll them back, following a pivotal U.S Supreme Court decision — the courts. Then, finding better ways to support survivors of domestic violence in Colorado. Also, some of Colorado’s largest factories must reduce pollution under new state rules. So why are environmental groups upset? And he turned his garage into a tribute of ’80’s rock and roll!
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Sept. 28, 2023: Record TABOR refunds for taxpayers; A park at the center of homelessness

Colorado is set to pay more than $3.5 billion in TABOR refunds next spring, one of the largest paybacks the state has ever returned to taxpayers. Then, why Grand Junction’s latest move to address homeless is drawing attention. Also, what do monthly employment numbers say about Colorado’s economic health? Then, researching long COVID. And Colorado Wonders about tornadoes.

Sept. 21, 2023: A special report on the life and death of Elijah McClain

Elijah McClain’s death brought about reforms for law enforcement in Colorado. And the Aurora Police Department was put under state oversight, to stop a pattern of racist policing. As the trial of the officers charged in his death begins, a special Colorado In-Depth report looks at how we got here and explore what McClain’s death has taught Colorado, and the country, about police oversight.

Sept. 19, 2023: Black quarterbacks who changed the NFL; Putting the brakes on speed limits

Historically, there have been a lot of Black players in the NFL, but not as many Black quarterbacks. Marlin Briscoe was the first when he started for the Denver Broncos in 1968. We talk with John Eisenberg who wrote, “Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks who Revolutionized Pro Football.” Then, CDOT is changing how it sets speed limits. And the story of the Peace Corps.

Sept. 14, 2023: Coloradan’s relief efforts in Morocco; Friends and scholars discuss arts and culture

As the death toll nears 3,000 after the earthquake in Morocco, Wendy Rubin, a Colorado educator now living in Casablanca, has watched her students organize a major relief effort. Then, esteemed dancer, choreographer and community advocate Cleo Parker Robinson, and noted DEI scholar, author and educator Dr. Brenda J. Allen, discuss the evolution of Colorado’s arts scene and culture wars.

Sept. 12, 2023: Rebuilding after the flood; How economics could save the rainforest

Flash flooding decimated Jamestown ten years ago. One resident shares how the community pulled together to rebuild. Then, migrant arrivals are increasing again in Denver. Plus, Colorado Mesa University is competing to save the rainforest. Also, new guidelines to help with childhood obesity. And a new play set at a city council meeting is filled with both comedy and mystery.
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Sept. 7, 2023: New effort to keep Trump off 2024 state ballot; Five generations of farmers

There’s a new effort to try to keep former president Donald Trump off the ballot in Colorado next year. A lawsuit, filed in the federal district court for Colorado, argues that Trump can’t hold office because he has committed insurrection against the United States. Then, what kind of sustainable choices are people willing to make? Also, “Centennial” farms, toads, and the first day of preschool.