Community Engagement Core (CEC) Summary One of FAMU RCMI Center's major goals is to reduce cancer health disparities among minorities and underserved populations. Cancer health disparities refer to the adverse differences in cancer measures, such as incidence, mortality, screening rates, and access to care, among specific population groups. These disparities can be observed between racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomic groups, geographic locations, and more. Achieving better health outcomes requires an integrated, patient-centered healthcare system, multisectoral engagement, community organizing, social action, and reducing health inequities. African Americans continue to have the highest death rate for most types of cancer and the shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the United States. Overall, about 1 in 2 African American men and 1 in 3 African American women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The causes of these inequalities are complex and reflect social and economic disparities, such as barriers to high-quality cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment information and services. Additionally, multiple social and cultural barriers have been identified that impede screening and early detection, especially among underserved minority populations. Over the last few years, extensive evidence has shown the benefits of active and equitable community participation in health research and promotion to address problems related to social and structural inequities that significantly affect underserved populations. The mission of the CEC is to establish, identify, and support partnerships with the community to create a sustainable research environment for reducing cancer disparities. The CEC will strengthen the capacity of academic and community partners to reduce cancer disparities by increasing interaction between FAMU RCMI scientists and the community as well as dissemination of RCMI's research, use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research, and promoting participation in RCMI research studies. Also, the core will develop and implement culturally sensitive outreach activities to improve health literacy, cancer screening, and cancer prevention through nutrition education.