On March 3, 2026, the Africana Studies Institute screened the Emmy Award-winning documentary, The Ebony Canal. The film explores the black maternal health disparities through interviews with mothers, health practitioners, historians, activists, and celebrities. Narrated by Academy Award Winner Viola Davis with beautiful cinematography and compelling storytelling, The Ebony Canal engages you to learn more about ongoing health disparities for Black mothers and babies and what solutions can mitigate this health crisis today.

Following the film, a panel discussion with Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens (UConn Africana Studies and History), Dr. Lucinda Canty (UMass Amherst, Director of Seedworks Health Equity in Nursing Program), Dr. Raja Staggers-Hakim (UConn Sociology, Africana Studies Affiliate), and Emmai Alaquiva, the Emmy Award-winning director of the film.