ARSHAY COOPER
2026 is here, and some of us are seeking to calibrate our compasses. And few are as qualified to talk us through another year of ups and downs as Arshay Cooper — author, athlete, and the co-founder of the national award-winning nonprofit A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund.
Please join us in the West Room for an inspiring evening with Arshay, who will chat about tools for checking in with yourself, in thoughtful preparation for the tasks that underlie our new year’s selves.
Arshay Cooper grew up on the west side of Chicago under trying circumstances, before rowing happened — when that specific experience provided him a set of tools to tackle life's obstacles in his view. His memoir Suga Water hit bookstores in 2015, and the documentary film A Most Beautiful Thing came soon after—visually detailing his experience as the captain of America’s first all-black high school rowing team. Since then, his mission of inclusivity and collected effort has been telegraphed across the world, transforming lives from to Nassau, Bahamas to Capetown South Africa and beyond. His best-selling book Let Me Be Real With You was published in late 2025 by HarperOne, and has set new transformational power in motion.
- Event is free. Please RSVP with the form.
- Please do not RSVP more than once.
- Only the first 175 guests will be admitted.
- Please enter at 10 Allen Street.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT
Doors at 7:00pm.
Select Beers and wines will be available.
The conversation will begin at 7:30pm, Q&A to follow.
Start with dinner at Corner Bar, then head upstairs for the program — or join us for a nightcap in the Swan Room.
