About this Event
Celebrating Partnership, Community, and Opportunity
We’re thrilled to celebrate the new partnership between A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund (AMBTIF) and Friends of Detroit Rowing (FODR)! This collaboration brings together two organizations dedicated to expanding access, opportunity, and inclusion in rowing for young people.
Friends of Detroit Rowing, through programs like the Motown RowTown Initiative, introduces Detroit youth to rowing via indoor programs, with the goal of transitioning them to on-water rowing and racing with one of the nation’s oldest crew clubs. The AMBTIF, co-founded by Arshay Cooper, is a national nonprofit committed to breaking barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented youth in rowing. Through programs, coaching, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, the AMBTIF cultivates leadership, resilience, academic success, and community impact—empowering young people to achieve excellence on and off the water.
Arshay Cooper is an author, activist, and changemaker whose story continues to inspire a movement. Growing up on the West Side of Chicago, he became part of the first all-Black high school rowing team in the United States—a journey he chronicled in his award-winning memoir A Most Beautiful Thing, later adapted into a critically acclaimed documentary executive produced by Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade, and Common. Today, as Co-Founder and Executive Director of the AMBTIF, Arshay leads efforts to broaden inclusion, foster belonging, and create lasting opportunities in rowing and beyond.
Together, this partnership strengthens the ability to empower young people, build community, and expand access to life-changing opportunities.
Join us for an evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration—featuring Arshay Cooper, who will be doing a special in-person book signing of his latest release, Let Me Be Real With You.
Light bites and refreshments will be served.
For questions, contact Melanie at [email protected].
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Jam Handy, 2900 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit, United States
USD 0.00
