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.

Sept. 21, 2023: A special report on the life and death of Elijah McClain

Elijah McClain’s death brought about reforms for law enforcement in Colorado. And the Aurora Police Department was put under state oversight, to stop a pattern of racist policing. As the trial of the officers charged in his death begins, a special Colorado In-Depth report looks at how we got here and explore what McClain’s death has taught Colorado, and the country, about police oversight.

Sept. 19, 2023: Black quarterbacks who changed the NFL; Putting the brakes on speed limits

Historically, there have been a lot of Black players in the NFL, but not as many Black quarterbacks. Marlin Briscoe was the first when he started for the Denver Broncos in 1968. We talk with John Eisenberg who wrote, “Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks who Revolutionized Pro Football.” Then, CDOT is changing how it sets speed limits. And the story of the Peace Corps.

Sept. 14, 2023: Coloradan’s relief efforts in Morocco; Friends and scholars discuss arts and culture

As the death toll nears 3,000 after the earthquake in Morocco, Wendy Rubin, a Colorado educator now living in Casablanca, has watched her students organize a major relief effort. Then, esteemed dancer, choreographer and community advocate Cleo Parker Robinson, and noted DEI scholar, author and educator Dr. Brenda J. Allen, discuss the evolution of Colorado’s arts scene and culture wars.

Sept. 12, 2023: Rebuilding after the flood; How economics could save the rainforest

Flash flooding decimated Jamestown ten years ago. One resident shares how the community pulled together to rebuild. Then, migrant arrivals are increasing again in Denver. Plus, Colorado Mesa University is competing to save the rainforest. Also, new guidelines to help with childhood obesity. And a new play set at a city council meeting is filled with both comedy and mystery.
Walter's 100th

Sept. 7, 2023: New effort to keep Trump off 2024 state ballot; Five generations of farmers

There’s a new effort to try to keep former president Donald Trump off the ballot in Colorado next year. A lawsuit, filed in the federal district court for Colorado, argues that Trump can’t hold office because he has committed insurrection against the United States. Then, what kind of sustainable choices are people willing to make? Also, “Centennial” farms, toads, and the first day of preschool.
Judge Dianne Briscoe holds a photo of her mother, Ruth C. Denny. Aug. 24, 2023.

Aug. 31, 2023: A retired Denver judge honors her mother’s March on Washington

It was a journey 60 years in the making, to honor her mother. Retired Denver County Court Judge Dianne Briscoe recently went to Washington, D.C.. for the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. She spoke with us about what’s next in the fight for civil rights, amid the stark reality of racial violence in the U.S. today. Then, predatory towing enters a new phase. And, yaks in Colorado.
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.