D’Angelo’s impact has always gone far beyond the music. His voice helped define a generation, his artistry shifted culture, and his presence inspired countless fans around the world. Now, in the wake of his passing, his legacy is being channeled into something that will save lives.

The D’Angelo Estate has officially announced the D’Angelo Estate Pancreatic Cancer Fund, a global initiative created in partnership with the Black Boy Joy Foundation. The effort is led by his daughter, Imani Archer, his brother, Luther Archer, and Jean-Claude Kali, the founder of the Black Boy Joy Foundation. Together, they are turning heartbreak into purpose.

As the Estate shared, “As a visionary artist, a cultural pioneer, and a deeply devoted father, D’Angelo’s influence transcended music and defined a generation. Today, The D’Angelo Estate, in partnership with the Black Boy Joy Foundation, formally announces a global philanthropic initiative honoring his life and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Led by Imani Archer (daughter), Luther Archer (brother), & Jean-Claude Kali (Founder of BBJF) this effort reflects our family’s commitment to transforming our profound loss into meaningful action, advancing research, expanding awareness, and bringing hope to families facing this devastating disease. We invite all who were touched by D’Angelo’s life and legacy to stand with us as we work to ensure that his spirit continues to uplift, empower, and heal for generations to come.”

For Imani Archer, the work is deeply personal. She shared, “My dad was my inspiration, my hero, a truly one-of-a-kind soul. Losing him to pancreatic cancer last month shattered our world, stealing him from his fans, his friends, our family, and most painfully, his three children. Yet even in this dark time for the Archer family, we hold on to one hope: that by sharing his story and fighting back, we can save at least one other family from losing someone they love as deeply as we loved him. Today, I’m proud to announce the D’Angelo Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Fund, powered by the Black Boy Joy Foundation.”

Their partnership with the Black Boy Joy Foundation is a powerful and intentional choice. The organization is already leading a national charge to confront the crisis pancreatic cancer poses, particularly for Black men and boys. Kali explains the urgency clearly and directly: “Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most formidable and lethal malignancies globally, with a survival rate of scarcely 13 percent. Its insidious onset and frequent late-stage diagnosis render it particularly devastating, and Black men and boys bear a disproportionate burden, experiencing the highest incidence and mortality rates. Studies show that Black men are up to 50 percent more likely than white men to develop this disease, and entrenched systemic inequities further exacerbate these disparities, resulting in delayed diagnoses, constrained treatment options, and markedly poorer outcomes.”

This fund is designed to fight that reality head-on. Through the Black Boy Joy Foundation, donations will support earlier detection research, advanced therapies, community-centered programs, and vital support for families facing pancreatic cancer. Every dollar goes toward vetted institutions and initiatives committed to changing outcomes for those most at risk.

The Foundation is also calling on the culture to unite around this mission. From artists and athletes to studios and fans, their message is clear: everyone has a role in pushing this movement forward. The fund invites the same creative community that championed D’Angelo throughout his career to now champion hope and healing in his name.

D’Angelo gave the world timeless music, unforgettable moments, and a legacy that shaped an entire era of soul and R&B. Through this fund, that legacy will now uplift families, fuel research, and pave the way for a future where early detection and equitable care are the norm.

The generations he inspired are now being called to inspire change.

Click HERE to donate to the D’Angelo Estate Pancreatic Cancer Fund.

Cover photo: D’Angelo’s Estate Announces New Pancreatic Cancer Fund Honoring Black Men and Boys/Photo credit: Eric Johnson/Pitchfork