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The Ebony Canal: Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion
This is a Bixby co-sponsored event.
Join the UCLA Art & Global Health Center for a free screening of The Ebony Canal, directed by six-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva. The documentary examines disparities in Black infant mortality and maternal health while sharing the experiences of Black mothers and highlighting solution-driven approaches to improving health outcomes.
The film is narrated by Viola Davis and includes creative contributions from Keke Palmer, who is the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television’s 2026–27 Artist-in-Residence.
Following the screening, the director will join panelists with direct expertise in Black maternal and infant health for a discussion.
Panelists include:
Lisa A. Nicholas, MD, OBGYN: Dr. Nicholas is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at UCLA Health and Vice Chair of Inclusive Excellence for UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is dedicated to advancing equity in women’s health care, addressing structural racism in medicine, and training physicians to provide compassionate care.
Mashariki Kudumu, MPH: Ms. Kudumu is Founder & Principal Consultant of Kudumu Partnerships for Equity and Justice, Founder & Director of the California Black Birth Equity Summit, and Community Advisor for the California Coalition for Black Birth Justice.
Emmai Alaquiva, Cannes® | Emmy® | Webby | NAACP Image Award-winning Director: Mr. Alaquiva is the director of The Ebony Canal, narrated by Viola Davis, and a Smithsonian-published photographer. His credits include helping oversee film visuals for Roc Nation’s The Book of HOV exhibition and work on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. He also serves as vice chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
The evening also celebrates the announcement that Alaquiva will direct the mini-series pilot for Valentine Toya LeGrand, the Center’s Haitian-inspired Afrofuturist project celebrating women’s empowerment and mental health. We are seeking support to help bring this next stage of the project to life.
Schedule
- 6:30 PM — Theater opens to the public
- 7 PM — Program and screening
- 8:15 PM — Reception