WHAT TO EXPECT
Event Recap: The Philadelphia Screening- The Ebony Canal
Ebony Canal Film Screening-Philadelphia
About the Event
The Award Winning Documentary, “The Ebony Canal” comes to Philadelphia
Community Hero PA is so excited to partner with Cocolife to bring a powerful evening of storytelling, truth-telling, and community healing as we host the Philadelphia screening of the award-winning documentary The Ebony Canal, narrated by Viola Davis and featuring the realities of Black infant mortality and maternal wellness through the voices of Pennsylvania mothers and leaders. The film features Dr. Aasta Mehta, Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, and State Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, alongside the lived experiences of families in our Commonwealth.
For a $9 donation, you can receive a ticket to this red carpet event. $9= a symbolic tribute to the 9 months of pregnancy and a shared commitment to honoring and protecting the journey of Black motherhood. All donations are tax deductible. You can still support the effort by donating. There is no amount that is too big or too small.
Event is being held at the Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 from 6p-9p.
The Evening Includes:
- Film Screening
- Panel Discussion with local leaders and advocates
- Reception to connect, reflect, and uplift community voices
Let’s come together to celebrate organizations with programming focused on Black Maternal Health and to bear witness and spark action around Black maternal and infant health.
Seating is limited and reservation is required.
Arriving at a pivotal time, “The Ebony Canal” sheds light on the devastating reality that Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—a crisis highlighted by recent CDC data. This award-winning documentary has been recognized across multiple film festivals for its powerful exploration of how systemic racism in healthcare contributes to preventable loss and trauma.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Film Screening
Experience the powerful, award-winning documentary The Ebony Canal, narrated by Viola Davis. Emmy-award winning Director Emmai Alaquiva courageously explores the crisis of Black infant mortality in Pennsylvania through the eyes and voices of those most affected. Black mothers, families, and frontline health leaders. The screening offers an emotional and thought-provoking look into the systemic challenges and the resilience of communities navigating them.
6:oo pm to 7:00 pm
Panel Discussion
Following the film, listen to an engaging, dynamic conversation with a panel moderated by Andrea Lawful-Sanders. The discussion will include the film’s director, Emmai Alaquiva, Dr. Mehta and Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew (featured in the documentary), Representative Morgan Cephas, and Joel Austin .
7:oo pm to 8:00 pm
Reception and Mixer
Close the evening with a welcoming reception designed to foster connection, reflection, and action. Connect with organizations doing impactful work in Black maternal health, and learn how you can get involved. Drinks will be served, and community partners will be on hand to share resources, opportunities, and ways to support the movement for birth equity.
Seating is limited and reservation is required.
8:oo pm to 9:00 pm
more than just a film
Support a Collective of Changemakers
This screening is more than a film. It will provide financial support and public awareness for nine powerful, community-based organizations that are advancing Black maternal wellness across Pennsylvania. Each of these groups is doing vital work to support, educate, and uplift Black moms and families through culturally relevant care, advocacy, and healing.
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CocoLife – Providing maternal wellness services through storytelling, healing, and advocacy.
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Community Hero PA – Advancing health equity through education, outreach, and policy-centered community programs.
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Once Upon a Preemie – Offering support and advocacy for families of Black and Brown premature infants.
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Daddy University – Empowering fathers with education, tools, and community to better support maternal health and family well-being.
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Beauty Over Ashes – Creating safe spaces for Black maternal mental health and postpartum healing.
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Enon Doula Ministry – Delivering birth and postpartum doula support
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Pettaway Pursuit Foundation – Offering doula services and birth support for families in underserved communities.
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Royal Generation – Educating and empowering youth and families around reproductive justice and maternal care.
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A Home for Shana – Providing transitional housing and holistic support for pregnant women experiencing housing insecurity.
KEY EVENT SPONSORS
MORE ABOUT THE FILM
All rights to The Ebony Canal documentary, including all video footage, still images, and associated creative content, are the exclusive property of Emmai Alaquiva and/or his designated entities.
