TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Derek Steele, the son of the late civil rights activist, Reverend C.K. Steele, is leaning on community support as he battles stage four prostate cancer.
Derek Steele, whose father helped lead the Tallahassee Bus Boycott and co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, has carried on his family’s legacy of service in the community.
Two years ago, his life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. As his diagnosis sank in, Derek Steele said the seriousness of his condition became clear during early medical procedures.
“When the process began, even doing the biopsy, that was traumatic for me,” he said.
Since the start of 2026, Derek Steele has been undergoing treatment, but without health insurance. He said a change in his policy and rising costs forced him into a difficult position.
The physical toll has also been severe. After surgery to remove a tumor, Steele said he has faced mobility challenges. “I was so mad afterwards because when I woke up from surgery, I realized I couldn’t walk, and I’m still not walking right,” he said.
Now paying out of pocket for radiation treatment and medication, Steele continues to deal with daily pain. Despite the challenges, he says he is not alone.
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His bonus daughter, Raven Whitehead, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover mounting medical expenses.
“It has not been an easy journey. It’s been very hard,” Whitehead said. “He’s not my stepdad, he’s my pa pa, so I’m going to do whatever we need to do to fight for him every day.”
Whitehead is calling on the community to rally around Steele, noting his years of service and advocacy.
“He is suffering. He’s in pain every day, and I refuse to see him in pain,” she said. “He’s been a loud voice in the community over the years, even through his dad, he has done so much.”
Derek Steele said he is grateful for the support of friends, family and community members as he continues treatment.
“I’m trying to stay encouraged because I know God has got me,” he said.
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