by Jeroslyn JoVonn
February 26, 2026
The documentary seeks to ignite deeper conversations in regards to the healthcare disparities affecting Black moms.
Because the 57th NAACP Picture Awards inch nearer, The Ebony Canal is up for Excellent Brief Kind Documentary (Movie), the primary time a maternal well being documentary has been acknowledged within the awards’ historical past.
The movie’s narrator, Viola Davis, can be getting ready to obtain the NAACP Chairman’s Award at this yr’s ceremony, themed “We See You.”
The message aligns intently with the documentary’s mission, which explores the intersection of toddler mortality disparities and the maternal well being disaster affecting Black girls, whereas championing solution-driven approaches geared toward advancing care and saving Black moms and infants.
The groundbreaking documentary, which is about to display on the upcoming BLACK ENTERPRISE Girls of Energy Summit, spotlights tales usually ignored by mainstream platforms and reframes Black maternal well being and toddler mortality as pressing nationwide points. Its nomination displays a rising recognition that highly effective storytelling is deeply related to public well being, coverage, and fairness.
“This nomination displays the facility of intentional cinematic storytelling,” stated filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva. “As a Black man, father, husband and director, I really feel that it’s my accountability to make use of every part in my God-given arsenal to make sure that Black maternal well being isn’t a distinct segment challenge. It’s a public well being precedence and a cultural fact. To have this story acknowledged on one of the revered phases in our neighborhood is deeply significant.”
The movie explores the humanity and inequities shaping Black motherhood via the tales of Mariah Peoples, Rachel Strader, Alana Yzola Daly, and Larissa Lane. It additionally options commentary from Vice President Kamala Harris, Lamman Rucker, and Elaine Welteroth, with inventive contributions by Keke Palmer and an unique rating by Grammy-nominated producer Bud’da.
Backed by information and evaluation from maternal well being skilled Dr. Margaret Larkins Pettigrew, the documentary underscores the systemic realities impacting Black households.
The documentary seeks to ignite deeper conversations in regards to the healthcare disparities affecting Black moms. The Ebony Canal has screened in communities and movie festivals nationwide and overseas, bringing collectively well being professionals, policymakers, advocates, and households to drive dialogue. The movie continues to behave as a catalyst for schooling, coverage consciousness, and collective motion.
The Picture Awards will happen on Saturday, Feb. 28.
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