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.

Dec. 12, 2023: Wolf killings underscore reintroduction debate; Black quarterbacks tackle inclusivity

By state law, Colorado is required to release wolves into the wild by the end of the year. But a wolfpack that was already here is mostly gone, shot and killed across the border. What does that say about the reintroduction debate? And, Marlin Briscoe was the first Black quarterback in pro football with the Denver Broncos, but the challenges he faced were just the beginning.
hip hop 50th anniversary Black Pegasus Old Man Saxon DJ Cavem Nikki Swarn

Nov. 30, 2023: Hip Hop Turns 50! Colorado’s place in this cultural phenomenon

Hip Hop marks a major milestone this year: its 50th anniversary! During that time, the musical genre has changed the world, influencing language, dance, education, politics, media, and so much more. But what is Colorado’s place in all of this? Chandra Thomas Whitfield asked some of the biggest players in our state to join her in-studio. Radio personality Amerykah Jones (Nikki Swarn) and rappers DJ Cavem (Ietef Vita), Old Man Saxon (Saxon Kincy) and Black Pegasus (Robert Houston II).
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.
aurora-highlands-housing-development-construction-20230713

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.
MCCLAIN-TRIALS-WOODYARD-SHENEEN-231106

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.
Yvette-Marquez-Sharpnack-Dia-De-Los-Muertos

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.