Arshay Cooper made sports history when he became the captain of the rowing team at Manley High School in Chicago’s East Garfield Park—the first all-Black high school rowing team in America. Cooper’s experiences competing in an exclusionary and predominantly white sport are recorded in his striking memoir A Most Beautiful Thing and a forthcoming documentary executive produced and narrated by Common. Join Cooper and Chicago-born law enforcement veteran Ron Stallworth (Black Klansman) for a conversation about growing up on the west side of Chicago and combating inequality in sports.

The presenters encourage you to learn more here:

The George Pocock Rowing Foundation supports a number of programs that focus on diversity. It is also the home of The A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, which will support the work of Arshay Cooper, as well as programs focused on underserved communities.

The Philadelphia Challenge Cup (also known as The Gold Cup) began in 1920, and reemerged in 2011 after a 50 year hiatus, to support the discipline of sculling and the sport of rowing.

The Head of the Charles Regatta is the most prestigious head race in the world, welcoming over 10,000 competitors to Boston on an annual basis.