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.

A penny in front of a dark background.
Colorado Matters

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?”
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Federal law enforcement outside the Cedar Run Apartments
Colorado Matters

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.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Professional organizer Denine Moser smiles and hugs Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield in Chandra's home office which was a cluttered mess.
Colorado Matters

Getting organized can be as easy as just getting started! Helpful hints for decluttering

We’re just weeks into a new year, which for many of us is the perfect season to set new goals, plan out the year ahead and, yes, finally get more organized. Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield has already checked off a big item on her 2025 “to do” list: decluttering and organizing her home office with the help of Denine Moser of Serenity Now Professional Organizing of Castle Rock. Moser shared some helpful tips on how to tackle a big reorganization project.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Colorado Matters

Feb. 4, 2025: Legislature debates the Labor Peace Act; AI judging and the X-Games

Colorado’s Labor Peace Act makes it harder to organize unions compared to other states. Now, Purplish weighs in as the legislature debates if the unique, more-than-80-year-old law should be repealed. Also, this year’s X Games competition in Aspen featured something new — Artificial Intelligence. Could the trial run start a revolution to replace human-judged competitions going forward? And, the 155-acre, former Park Hill Golf Course has been at the center of a years-long battle. Soon it will become Denver’s newest public park. And, tips for decluttering.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
An oak wood desk displays a light blue and white MacBook desktop and other items from the era. The exhibit is modeled after a bedroom from the time.
Colorado Matters

Jan. 30, 2025: Colorado seniors navigate the digital divide; Planning for wildfire before it happens

Healthcare, housing, entertainment, and even friendships are all pretty much managed by technology, whether it’s on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Many people 65 and older are still on the wrong side of the so-called digital divide, but there are programs designed to help. Then, amid the devastation left by wildfires in California, or the Marshall Fire, an expert weighs in on how your family can plan and prepare before a disaster happens. And, Bill Frisell earns another Grammy nomination.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
240110-LEGISLATURE-OPENS-ROTUNDA-STAIRCASE
Colorado Matters

Jan. 28, 2025: Transparency, accountability at the state capitol; Courts reject autonomy for elephants

They’re called SMART hearings, designed to create accountability for state lawmakers, but do they actually make a difference? We’ll explore that with Purplish. Then, a group that wants to remove elephants from a Colorado zoo says it’s not giving up, even after the state supreme court rejected the idea. Plus, join CPR’s Sam Brasch for a discussion about wolf reintroduction on February 6. Plus, how the country’s highest suspension bridge came to span the Royal Gorge. And getting ready to celebrate the state’s sesquicentennial.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Colorado Matters

Jan. 23, 2025: Colorado may be in conflict with new immigration directives; Remembering Bill McCartney

New guidelines from the Trump administration regarding federal standards on immigration enforcement could conflict with state laws. Just how far will the new federal directives on immigration enforcement go? And, how far will Colorado go to stop them? Then, the University of Colorado remembers Bill McCartney, the winningest football coach in school history. Also, an up and coming writer and director from Denver talks about his new film, “Breakup Season.” And, what a way to “kick off” the year for Colorado born-and-raised jazz musician Tony Exum, Jr.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
A wolf sprints out of a gray metal crate
Colorado Matters

Jan. 21, 2025: More wolves released in Colorado; Ripple effect of wildfires on insurance rates

Colorado has released more wolves to the Western Slope, this time in Eagle and Pitkin counties, but the effort to reintroduce the endangered species continues to divide. Then, how the wildfires in California could have a ripple effect on home insurance in Colorado, which is already outpacing the national average. Plus, how a small Colorado business is bracing for tariffs. And former Denver Nugget and NBA superstar, the late Dikembe Mutombo, is honored for his humanitarianism.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
The Palisades Fire burns a neighborhood in California
Colorado Matters

Jan. 16, 2025: Colorado firefighters in California; Artist Kristopher Wright focuses on togetherness

The wildfires in California are a haunting reminder of the firestorm that swept through Boulder County here in Colorado. We’ll talk about lessons learned as Colorado firefighters respond to help our neighbors in the west. Then, creating “Roads to Recovery” to help people experiencing chronic homelessness. Also, artist Kristopher Wright’s new exhibit is all about community. And, a new literary arts organization based in Colorado Springs.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
Psilocybin mushroom cultivation, May 29, 2019. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
Colorado Matters

Jan. 14, 2025: Healing Centers mark new era for psilocybin; Colorado’s new judicial district

Colorado is once again on the forefront of legalizing another federally-controlled substance: psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms. CPR’s Molly Cruse and Alejandro Alonso Galva talk about what’s in store with “The Trip: CPR’s Coverage of Colorado’s Psychedelic Journey.” Then, Colorado gets a new judicial district for the first time in 60 years. Plus, Purplish looks at how the legislative session is shaping up. Also, a new directory will be a health resource for Black Coloradans. And commemorating the MLK Holiday in Colorado.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
CPR Host with guest
Colorado Matters

Jan. 7, 2025: Exploring senior housing options; ‘Purplish’ previews the legislative session

Many seniors want to stay in their homes. But what happens if aging in place doesn’t work anymore? Expert advice on our series, Aging Matters. Then, the legislature returns to work facing a budget shortfall of more than $600 million. Our public affairs podcast, Purplish, looks at the impact – and what lawmakers still hope to accomplish. Also, a Western Slope university helps first-generation students stay in school.
By Chandra Thomas Whitfield