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.

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Safe parking program helps people experiencing homelessness who live out of their cars

People experiencing homelessness often end up sleeping in their cars. But finding a safe place to park can be challenging and at times virtually impossible. A program launched in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns got underway is working to change that, but as those COVID relief dollars begin to phase out, program leaders say they’re struggling to keep their sites open and keep up with ever-growing demand.
Jury reaches verdict in trial of two Colorado police officers charged in death of Elijah McClain

Jan. 4, 2024: First sentencing in McClain death; Returning human remains on the Western Slope

The first of three people convicted in the death of Elijah McClain will be sentenced Friday. We preview what the former police officer faces. Then, the next step in the effort to return centuries’ old human remains looted on the Western Slope to their rightful home. And, as Denver looks for solutions to homelessness, a $2 million dollar investment in a pilot project that provides human dignity. Plus, Colorado wondering about rest stops.
FAMLI Employment Law Attorney

Jan. 2, 2024: State expands paid leave; ‘God is Red’ explores Indigenous religion, respect for nature

Now more working Coloradoans have access to paid leave to care for a loved one or themselves. It’s a state program called FAMLI, not to be confused with the federal program FMLA. We break down the differences and how to sign up. Then, “God is Red” explores diversity of thought in religion and the importance of respecting Native traditions and our environment.
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Dec. 22, 2023: Dancer makes Colorado Ballet history as Clara; the story of an ‘American St. Nick’

For Sheridan Guerin, playing Clara in the Nutcracker is a dream come true as the first Black ballerina to do so in Colorado Ballet history. Then, a Broomfield man shares the story of his dad, Richard Brookins, who became known as the “American St. Nick” in the tiny town of Wiltz, Luxembourg in World War II and years after. And Denver singer/songwriter René Moffatt’s new song, “My First Christmas (without you).”
Ballroom Culture

Dec. 14, 2023: Colorado working to ban ‘excited delirium’; In vogue with ballroom culture

As the third criminal trial related to the death of Elijah McClain continues, changes are happening statewide. A look at how law enforcement and lawmakers alike are working to ban so-called “Excited Delirium” here in Colorado. Then, did you know voguing was created by members of the Black and Latino queer community back in the 1960s? We hit the dance floor with Colorado’s ballroom scene.