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.

Zev Hauser in the NICU

March 13, 2025: Helping extremely premature babies defy the odds; Historic Park Theater’s haunted history

It used to be a death sentence for a baby born 23 weeks early. But many, like Zev Hauser, now survive. Today, we hear from Zev’s mother about the miraculous story of his birth and from his doctor, who says, with proper treatment, babies like Zev can now thrive. Then, the Historic Park Theater may very well be the oldest single-screen movie theater in the country, and its owner says it’s a real haunt! Plus, the “Color Book” starring an Aurora boy screens at the Boulder International Film Festival this weekend. And, we remember the many R&B and jazz legends who’ve recently passed.
House Mayors

March 6, 2025: Denver mayor faces Congress on immigration; Continuing role of churches as sanctuaries

There were hours of testimony, accusations and threats on Capitol Hill as Denver Mayor Mike Johnston defended the city’s actions when it comes to immigration. Johnston was part of a panel of mayors called by Republicans to answer questions about their cities’ immigration policies. Then, churches have historically been places of sanctuary. But in the immigration debate now underway, do they still fit into the discussion? Also, dozens of people have been caught in avalanches this winter in Colorado — we re-share one man’s amazing story of survival.

March 4, 2025: Impact of possible cuts on Medicaid; Flu season questions and answers

As Congress debates a budget that slashes spending, there’s concern those cuts could include Medicaid. We talk through the potential impact to patients, community health centers, hospitals — and the state’s economy. Then, doctors say it’s been quite a flu season in Colorado; we’ll ask about treatment and vaccines. Also, it’s Fat Tuesday, but you don’t have to head down South to get a taste of the official sweet treat of Mardi Gras. We’ll take you to an Arvada bakery that’s been serving up king cake for nearly 20 years!

Feb. 27, 2025: Denver International Airport marks 30 years of flight

Denver International Airport opened 30 years ago this week. We talk with two people who work at DIA who also worked at the old Stapleton Airport, about the big move, the iconic tent roof, the infamous automated baggage system and the ongoing construction. We also speak with former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb on this 30-year milestone. Webb was instrumental in the opening of the airport. He reflects on the challenges, the opportunities, and what the future could hold.
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Feb. 25, 2025: What to do when aging in place is no longer possible; Elevating Colorado’s Black history

Independent living, assisted living, memory care — the terminology alone can be overwhelming. We wade through the many senior housing options when aging in place at home is no longer an option, with our conversation from January for Aging Matters on Colorado Matters. Then, for Black History Month, we revisit an exhibit at the Museum of Boulder that showcases Colorado’s Black history. It runs through September.
Students wearing outfits they designed from trash are seen in a line on stage.

Feb. 20, 2025: Colorado students ‘trash the runway’ in the name of sustainability; Diversifying snow sports

Students across Colorado are getting ready to “Trash the Runway”… on purpose. They’re learning about fashion and sustainability by using the stuff we throw out to create high-end design. They’re also learning critical problem solving and confidence at the same time. Then, thousands of skiers and snowboarders of color are hitting the slopes of Keystone starting this weekend, to support diversity in snow sports, along with future Olympians.
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Feb. 18, 2025: Colorado’s billion dollar budget hole; Amphitheater CEO on success, noise complaints

State lawmakers are faced with closing a potentially billion dollar budget gap; Purplish explores how Colorado got here and possible solutions. Then, the CEO of VENU, which built the Ford Amphitheatre in Colorado Springs, answers questions about its success, and the noise complaints it’s generated. Plus, we salute a 101-year-old Tuskegee airman in Colorado for Black History Month.
HER CAMPAIGN HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR SHELTER

Feb. 13, 2025: Help for sex trafficking survivors; Colorado Wonders about potholes

Sex trafficking is a growing problem in Colorado — the state now ranks 10th for the most reported cases. We hear from a survivor who shares how she took back control of her life. Then, imagine driving along a rough road when two of your tires pop. It happened to one Colorado driver — and Colorado Wonders about the state paying for the damage. Also, her mother marched on Washington more than 60 years ago with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We’ll re-share her daughter’s journey back to D.C. for Black History Month. And History Colorado incorporates works by living artists — to connect past and present.
A penny in front of a dark background.

Feb. 11, 2025: Dean says she was fired for objecting to book ban; A history of pennies

A Black middle school dean says she was fired by a school district in Colorado for objecting to a book ban. Now she’s filed a civil rights complaint. Then, President Trump has told the Treasury Department to stop making pennies. They’re minted in Denver. We’ll talk about the history and cost of the one cent coin. Plus, Chandra tries to up her “Colorado street cred” by taking on skiing thanks the BIPoC Mountain Collective. And author Laura Krantz asks, “Do you believe in magic?”
Federal law enforcement outside the Cedar Run Apartments

Feb. 6, 2025: ICE roundups in Denver; Studying psilocybin’s effect on depression

Early Wednesday morning, immigration agents, along with local and federal law enforcement officers, descended on an apartment complex in Aurora. We look at what happened — and what happens next. Then, researchers in Colorado want to know if psilocybin – also known as psychedelic mushrooms – can help people process past trauma. And, with a pair of Black quarterbacks facing off in Sunday’s Super Bowl, we revisit a book focused on African-Americans and their evolution at the position.