About United Colors of Cancer
Advancing Cancer Equity for Communities of Color
United Colors of Cancer is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cancer equity and strengthening support for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color affected by cancer.
Across the United States, communities of color often face higher cancer mortality rates, limited representation in research, and barriers to accessing culturally responsive care and survivorship resources. These disparities affect not only individuals navigating cancer, but also their families and communities.
United Colors of Cancer works to address these challenges by supporting survivors, amplifying community voices, and fostering collaboration across the cancer advocacy ecosystem.
Our Mission
United Colors of Cancer works to close the cancer equity gap by supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color navigating cancer through financial assistance, community programs, advocacy, and partnerships that strengthen survivorship support and elevate community voices.
Our Vision
We envision a future where cancer care, research, and survivorship resources are equitable and accessible for all communities, and where the experiences and voices of people of color are represented in conversations shaping the future of cancer care.
Our Approach
United Colors of Cancer advances its mission through a combination of direct support programs, community engagement, and national advocacy.
Supporting Survivors
The organization provides direct assistance and community resources that help individuals navigate the emotional and financial challenges of cancer.
- • Financial assistance for patients experiencing hardship
- • Care box initiatives during treatment
- • Community support networks for survivors and caregivers
Elevating Community Voices
United Colors of Cancer works to amplify the voices and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color navigating cancer. Through storytelling, advocacy, and public engagement, the organization helps ensure that survivor perspectives are included in conversations shaping cancer research, policy, and care.
Building Partnerships
Advancing cancer equity requires collaboration. United Colors of Cancer works alongside advocates, healthcare professionals, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to expand survivorship support and raise awareness about cancer disparities affecting communities of color.
Founder's Story
United Colors of Cancer was founded by cancer survivor and advocate Bikira Radcliffe.
Bikira's journey through cancer revealed the significant disparities that many communities of color face when navigating diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Her experience highlighted the importance of community support, representation, and advocacy in improving outcomes for individuals affected by cancer.
Motivated by a commitment to ensure that no one facing cancer would feel unseen or unsupported, Bikira founded United Colors of Cancer to strengthen support networks for BIPOC cancer survivors and to help elevate community voices in national conversations on cancer equity.
Today, the organization continues to grow as a platform for advocacy, community engagement, and survivor-centered support.
Board of Directors
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding our mission to serve the BIPOC cancer community.
Bikira Radcliffe
Founder
Bikira Radcliffe is a 10-year metastatic thyroid cancer survivor, wife, mother, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the founder of United Colors of Cancer with a mission to advocate for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) cancer community.
Raelyn Holmes
Board Member
Raelyn Holmes is a mother, student of life, and professional in the aerospace industry. She is an active life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Tuskegee Alumni association, Church Servant, Girl Scout Troop Leader and participant with other community initiatives.
Rosemary Malone
Board Member
After forty-five years at the Maryland Dept. of Human Services, Rosemary retired as the Executive Director of the Family Investment Administration. A graduate of Eckerd College, Rosemary is an expert in program management, research, analysis, and planning.
Cynthia Carpenter
Board Member
Cynthia Carpenter is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Cynthia provided service to the community, working 38 years at the Maryland Department of Human Services, retiring as the Director of the Maryland State Review Team. Cynthia has considerable experience in policy, training, program development, and implementation.
B. Francis Clark
Board Member
B. Clark is an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and founder of RECOLLECT / Media. Bernard graduated from Berkeley/UCLA, and has worked with HBO, Warner Bros., and the Academy (AMPAS), among others. Bernard was Editor of Save the Date Magazine, Senior Creative for APPLE, and Program Director for the original Blacks In Technology summit.
Sonia Legg
Board Member
Sonia Legg is a certified Business Planner, Coach, and Teacher. She has an MA in Educational Leadership, and has been in education for 23 years. She is the founder of JODE, Inc., and is active in her community, serving New Psalmist Baptist Church as a member of the Diaconate, and leader of the Kingdom Kids Discipleship Class.
National Advocacy & Engagement
United Colors of Cancer participates in national discussions on cancer survivorship, patient advocacy, and health equity. Leadership from the organization has contributed to conferences, advocacy forums, and university discussions focused on improving outcomes for communities of color navigating cancer.
Recent engagements include:
Cervical Cancer Summit
Cervivor
Global Virtual Cancer Conference
GVCC
AYA Cancer Gabfest
Emerging Voices
NYU Wagner School of Public Service
Womxn Now Speaker Series
These conversations help ensure that the voices and experiences of BIPOC cancer survivors are represented in discussions shaping the future of cancer care.
Join the Movement
United Colors of Cancer is building a growing community of survivors, advocates, healthcare leaders, and partners committed to advancing cancer equity. Together, we can help ensure that every voice in the cancer community is seen, heard, and counted.