On September 8 the EMBRACE Center of Excellence came together as a community to watch The Ebony Canal at The University of Pittsburgh’s Alumni Hall. This event drew a crowd of over 70 researchers, community partners, students, and trainees, all gathered to learn and discuss the current state of Black maternal and infant mortality in the U.S.
“I want this film to not be like everything else that is in the library,” director Emmai Alaquiva told the crowd. “How can we create a piece that can produce a new wave of solution driven practices?”
The evening highlighted not only the film screening, but a panel discussion that included Emmy Winning Director Emmai Alaquiva, Allegheny Health Network’s Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Starring Mother Larissa Lace, Starring Mother Mariah Peoples, and University of Pittsburgh’s very own Dr. Dara Méndez.
“I’ve been working closely with women in our community and across the country experiencing what we see in this film,” said Dr. Dara Méndez.” We see the tragic loss in terms of infant death, but we also see the beauty of life…It goes beyond the numbers and the data because there are stories behind that, real lives behind that.”
This event successfully created space to discuss the current state of Black maternal and infant mortality, emphasizing the vital work of the EMBRACE Center of Excellence.
The EMBRACE Center of Excellence extends its heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, volunteers, and the community for their unwavering support. The success of this event would not have been possible without their contributions.