United for a
brighter future.
We connect children and families to the research, resources, and advocacy they need, no diagnosis required.
Our Core Values
Our Core Values
Every Child Gets Timely Care
No child should wait longer for a diagnosis because of their race or their zip code. We push for faster, more accurate, and more compassionate care for every family we serve.
Families Lead the Way
Parents and caregivers live this every day. Their experience shapes our programs and our research priorities, not the other way around.
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Research You Can Trust
We support ethical research that respects families and protects their information. Every family should understand what their data is used for and have a say in how it's used.
Early Access Saves Lives
The earlier a child is diagnosed, the more options a family has. We work to close the gaps that cause delayed diagnoses, through better screening, biobanking access, and a direct path to evaluation.
Support for the Whole Family
A rare diagnosis affects the whole family, not just the child. Our programs offer real support: practical resources, community, and hope for what comes next.
HOW WE HELP
Empowering Change,
One Child at a Time
Our Mission
Melanin Children Matter serves children and families living with rare diagnoses, and those still searching for one. Our work is rooted in a simple principle: every child matters.
Our focus on Black and Brown children, rural communities, and other medically underrepresented families reflects where barriers to diagnosis, care, and trust are often greatest. It is not a limit on who we serve. No child is turned away, diagnosed or not.
Supporting Children
Comprehensive support for children with rare diseases.
Healing Families
Resources and guidance for families facing challenges.
Educating Society
Raising awareness and guidance for families facing challenges.
Funding Research
Support for research to advance treatment options.
Our Mission
Melanin Children Matter Inc. is committed to transforming healthcare access, equity, and representation for medically underrepresented children - particularly Black and Brown youth impacted by rare diseases, autism, and neurodevelopmental conditions. We fund research, accelerate diagnosis, support families, and amplify the voices of those too often ignored in medical systems.
Board Members
De'Vonte Hughes
Finances
Based in Houston, focused on expanding MCM's reach so melanated children worldwide have access to the opportunities they deserve.
Helen Hernandez, M.S.
Science Advisor
Biochemist and founder of KAL Research Initiatives, supporting MCM's research strategy around SPTLC2.
Billie Cox
Board Member
Small business owner with over 16 years in nonprofit leadership.
Brett Maricque, PhD
Board Member & Science Advisor
Assistant Professor of Genetics at Washington University School of Medicine, co-leader of the Black Genome Project.
Armani Nard
Board Member
King'Nazir's oldest sister and has supported Melanin Children Matter since its earliest days. Continues to help build the organization and has contributed to events, promotions, and fundraising, all in honor of her brother and his legacy.
OUR INSPIRATION
Empowering Change,
One Child at a Time
King'Nazir Gates, despite facing unimaginable challenges from a young age, embodied resilience, joy, and an unwavering spirit that inspired those around him. His journey, marked by misdiagnoses and the harsh reality of a rare and fatal disease, underscored the urgent need for support, awareness, and resources for children of color facing similar battles. King'Nazir's infectious smile and indomitable courage in the face of adversity served as the catalyst for the creation of 'Melanin Children Matter.' His legacy of strength and perseverance continues to guide our mission to advocate for marginalized communities, ensuring that no child or family feels alone in their fight against pediatric illnesses. Through 'Melanin Children Matter,' we honor King'Nazir's memory by amplifying the voices of those often overlooked, and working tirelessly to create a world where every child, regardless of race or circumstance, receives the support and care they deserve.
