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Cells in the skin convert into Vitamin D when UV light hits the body. From there, the vitamin flows through the bloodstream and into the liver and kidneys where it turns into active D also known as Calcitriol.
edpuzzle.com

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UVA radiation causes damage to melanocytes, however, researchers say that UV radiation can generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen that energizes an electron in melanin. This energy can cause lesions in the DNA, creating cancer-causing mutations.
healthline.com

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Yes there is a correlation with Vitamin D deficiency and amount of melanin in skin. Because people that migrated away from the equator into areas less exposed to the sun, there was not enough UV radiation to produce sufficient vitamin D to prevent diseases such as rickets. Their bodies compensated by producing less melanin, so that more sunlight would be allowed to go through.
http://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/7F.html

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Nature selects for less melanin when ultraviolet radiation is weak.  In such an environment, very dark skin is a disadvantage because it can prevent people from producing enough vitamin D, potentially resulting in rickets disease in children and osteoporosis in adults.

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The body benefits from vitamin D by regulating the amount of calcium and phosphorus absorption, maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, and is suggested to protect against diseases such as cancer and diabetes. If a person is vitamin D deficient, their bone tissue will not form properly, causing them to have weak bones and skeletal deformities.
medicalnewstoday.com

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The melanocytes are located in the Stratum Basale. The Stratum Basale is Actively mitotic stem cells; as cells age they become part of superficial layers.
Melanin is only skin pigment out of three made in the skin. Melanocytes synthesize melanin.
Melanocytes in black and brown skin people produce more and darker melanosomes.
V.Podkomorski Notes
9/8/16
http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-174446576/stock-vector-melanocyte-and-melanin-layers-of-epidermis-melanocytes-produce-the-pigment-melanin-which-they.html

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Stratum Corneum: 20-30 layers of cornified, dead skin cells called corneocytes

Stratum Lucidum: Looks translucent due to dead keratinocytes and is only found in areas with thick skin, namely the soles of the feet and palms of the hands

Stratum Granulosum: Features cells that have what look like granules, this is where keratinization also occurs

Stratum Spinosum: Largest section of the epidermis and is the location of keratinocytes which allows the skin to be flexible

Stratum Basale: The deepest layer where the newest cells are formed through mitosis

Source: https://www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-and-physiology-textbook/integumentary-system-5/the-skin-64/structure-of-the-skin-epidermis-394-7794/