06/23/2026
Viola Davis has consistently used her voice and platform to advocate for Black women, including bringing attention to the Black maternal health crisis. Recently, she narrated a documentary film titled ‘The Ebony Canal’, where the “HERstoric portal between the disparities of infant mortality and the current state of maternal health orbiting Black women” is examined. The mission of the film “aims to foster a new wave of solution-driven practices” while also moving “maternal health forward in the journey to save Black mothers and Black babies.” Through her public statements and speeches regarding the film, she has emphasized that disparities in maternal health persist regardless of income or access to quality care, and has highlighted a deeper issue within the healthcare system. She has spoken openly about how Black women are often not believed or taken seriously when they express concerns about their health, reinforcing the need for providers to truly listen and respond with urgency. She frequently centers the lived experiences of Black women, calling attention to the patterns of dismissal and neglect that contribute to preventable maternal outcomes. Referencing the words of Malcolm X, she has underscored that Black women continue to be among the most misunderstood and disrespected, and she has made it clear that she is committed to challenging that reality. Through her advocacy, she continues to shine a light on inequities in care while pushing for accountability, respect, and systemic change within maternal health.
