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WHEREAS, Emmai Alaquiva is a Pittsburgh-based, Emmy Award-winning director, photographer, multimedia artist & passionate educator, who has continually utilized the power of storytelling to elevate underrepresented voices and champion social justice; and,
WHEREAS, Emmai arose from very humble beginnings and was once homeless. He is now a 6x Emmy, 3x Webby and NAACP Image Award recipient - who gained international acclaim with his poignant and powerful documentary “The Ebony Canal”. This groundbreaking project highlights the systemic inequities and maternal mortality crisis that impact Black mothers and infants. It was narrated by EGOT winner, Viola Davis & won three Diversity in Cannes awards; and,
WHEREAS, his artistic versatility spans across music, culture and educational media, having collaborated with world-renowned icons and staples such as Jay-Z, Rihanna’s FENTY Brand and the beloved PBS Kids institution - Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Emmai’s community youth mentorship efforts were recognized at the highest level of our nation by President Barack Obama; and,
WHEREAS, Emmai Alaquiva’s inspiring works and compelling narratives have garnered national acclaim across major media platforms, including features on Good Morning America, Forbes and in The New York Times, while consistently bringing pride, prestige and national spotlight to our city;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby honor, commend and congratulate Emmai for a job well done in the arts, photography, multimedia and humanitarian arena & hereby declares October 27, 2026, to be “Emmai Alaquiva Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.