Arshay Cooper: Promoting Diversity in Rowing with Hope

Rowing in Color

#005 - Arshay Cooper brings his message of hope when talking about the power of diversity in rowing. On March 27, 2020, his documentary “A Most Beautiful Thing” was scheduled to premiere. However, it was postponed due to the shelter in place which was placed in an effort to flatten the curve against coronavirus. In our conversation, we talk about his story which highlights what it was like to be in the first public high school all-black boat and how that story has changed the lives of young people who have gone onto row in college. Furthermore we talk about the "comeback race" and what it was like to be coached by Mike Teti. We also talk about the film, which is directed by former Olympian Mary Mazzio and produced by 9th Wonder, Grant Hill, Dwayne Wade, and narrated by Common. It was also made with support from the Winklevoss twins, USRowing, row2k, Hudson Boat Works, Anita DeFrantz, David Banks, and many others. Arshay’s new book with the same title as the film is due to release on June 30, 2020. For more on Arshay, check out his website at https://www.arshaycooper.com/ or find him on social media @arshay_cooper