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.

CLERGY ABUSE REPORT

Oct. 26, 2023: Report on domestic violence in Colorado; New Speaker of the House

For a second consecutive year, domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high in Colorado. A new report, just released by Colorado’s Attorney General’s office, provides details. And we hear from a woman who calls herself a victor — not a victim. Then, the U.S. House is back to work after finally electing a new Speaker. CPR’s Washington, D.C. reporter, Caitlyn Kim, has been following the weeks of drama closely.
Kyle Speller Denver Nuggets Announcer Chaplain

Oct. 24, 2023: State lawmakers with roots in Israel, Gaza; Meet ‘the voice’ of the Nuggets

As the war escalates between Israel and Hamas, we hear from state lawmakers with roots in the region. Then, as the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets start their new season, a familiar voice will call the players to the court. Kyle Speller begins his 19th year as the team’s stadium announcer. He’s also the team chaplain. Plus, how did “No Name” get its name? And rethinking how we buy and discard clothing.
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Oct. 19, 2023: Abortion access in Colorado after 50 years; Perseverance marks ‘Lessons in Chemistry’

Thirty percent of abortions in Colorado last year were for people from out of state, and that number’s increasing. We talk with Linda Weber who helped found the first clinic in Colorado with abortion access 50 years ago. Then, a closer look at what’s on the November ballot. And, we remember playwright and arts mentor Ken Grimes. Also, a Fort Collins native helms “Lessons in Chemistry.”
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Oct. 17, 2023: Proposition HH and property taxes; Why is leaded fuel still used at small airports?

One of the statewide issues voters will decide in this election is Proposition HH, designed to lower property taxes. We look at both sides with Purplish, CPR’s podcast about politics and policy. Then, why do small airports still use fuel containing lead for planes? Also, a new LGBTQ+ community center opens soon in Colorado Springs. And we answer a Colorado Wonders question about the Blue Book.
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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.