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.

Carlotta Walls LaNier Little Rock 9 Nine

Aug. 29, 2023: She fought for an equal education; now she hopes to preserve history in schools

Carlotta Walls LaNier was a member of the Little Rock Nine, a group of Black students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas in 1957. She reflects on civil rights as teaching Black history comes under attack in Arkansas and other states. Then, keeping Garden of the Gods a welcoming place to visit. And Colorado wonders about the sounds of insects.
Rudilph Giuliani, John Eastman

Aug. 24, 2023: Colorado ties to Georgia indictments; Diverse judges and judicial ethics

Former President Donald Trump is expected to surrender to Georgia law enforcement today on charges that he led illegal efforts* to subvert the 2020 election in that state. Two people with Colorado ties are among the 18 other people charged in the case. Then, appointing more women to the bench in Colorado and what the state is doing to make sure judges meet the high standards of ethics. Plus, Colorado Wonders about waterfalls.
Colorado Matters CMS Safe 3X2 Logo for Podcast Segments

U.S. Center for SafeSport works to prevent athlete abuse as caseloads increase

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation’s only independent organization tasked with investigating allegations of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in both professional and amateur sports., and it’s based in Denver. Ju’Riese Colón is the nonprofit’s CEO. She spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield.

After Chandra’s interview, an Associated Press report outlined complaints against SafeSport in light of increasing caseloads and a lack of conclusive investigations. Read the AP report here and read the statement from the U.S.

PARCHED-COLORADO-RIVER-HAVASU-PARKER-DAM

Aug. 17, 2023: Cutting back on water cutbacks; Credit score inequities

A wet winter and rainy spring mean more water in the Colorado River, so how will that impact the short and long-term plan for water usage? Then, credit scores are supposed to be determined objectively, but new research shows that’s not the case. Plus, answering a Colorado Wonders question about cellphones and driving. And two exhibits at MCA Denver explore cultural inclusivity.
Chinatown Marker Denver

Ensuring the history of Denver’s Chinatown is not forgotten

There are now three permanent markers in lower downtown Denver that accurately reflect part of the city’s dark past that until recently had been all but forgotten. They tell the story behind what led to the demise of Denver’s Chinatown back in the late 1800s. Joie Ha is vice chair of Colorado Asian Pacific United. Roxana Soto is with the city’s Office of Storytelling. They spoke with Chandra Thomas Whitfield in May.
Here 4 The Kids Gun Ban Rally at State Capitol 20230605

Aug. 15, 2023: Changes to ‘Red Flag’ law; Elevating achievements of blind Coloradans

Until recently, only police officers or close relations could ask a judge to take someone’s guns away if they’re a threat to themselves or others. A change to that state law expands who’s allowed to do that, but is it making a difference? Then, the “Blind History Lady” elevates achievements of visually-impaired Coloradans. Plus the culture of bicycling and ways to stay safe while riding.

Aug. 14, 2023: A mother’s journey to raise awareness about CMV; Music store hits final note

When a Wheat Ridge mother gave birth to her second child, it set off a series of events that would lead to years of research about congenital diseases. She’s now written a book, “Remedies for Sorrow,” to raise awareness about CMV. Then, how the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action is affecting medical schools in Colorado. Also, teen boys learn to open up about life’s challenges. And Kolacny Music is closing after nearly a century.

Aug. 10, 2023: Ensuring transparency in the Capitol; Unity through poetry

Just how transparent are the workings inside the state capitol? Despite having one of the most stringent Open Meetings Law in the country, lawmakers still manage to do a lot out of the public eye and it’s led to lawsuits. Then, achieving unity through poetry. Also, why knowing your breast density could save your life. And a troll is moving into the hills west of Pikes Peak.

Aug. 9, 2023: Working to ensure water equity; ‘Denver Star’ preserves Colorado history

When it comes to water, Lorelei Cloud says Indigenous tribes like the Southern Ute don’t just use water; they protect it and treat it with reverence. As the first Indigenous member of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, she is hopeful about ensuring equity in water rights. Then, a pest is threatening one of Colorado’s most beloved crops. And preserving history with “The Denver Star.”

Aug. 7, 2023: What’s next for sexual abuse cases after ruling; A violinist’s journey back from broken

Survivors of sexual abuse are figuring out their next steps after the state supreme court struck down part of a law meant to help them. Then, she was on track to be a professional violinist until debilitating performance anxiety put a wrench in her dreams. Her journey Back from Broken. Plus, love is in the air at the Renaissance Festival! And a rare bloom in Boulder.