A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America's First All-Black High School Rowing Team

Linda, Arshay Cooper’s mother, assumes a crucial role in shaping his narrative. She is initially depicted as battling severe drug and alcohol addiction, and that struggle results in Linda neglecting her parental responsibilities. Consequently, Cooper’s childhood is marked by instability and moments of desolation as he grapples with the absence of a nurturing maternal figure. However, the trajectory of Linda’s journey takes a turn when she seeks help in a Christian-based recovery home. This decision signifies a turning point in Linda’s life and reverberates in Cooper’s own trajectory. Linda’s transformation into a loving and nurturing mother brings stability and serves as a wellspring of inspiration in Cooper’s life. Her newfound faith and unwavering commitment to sobriety are her redemption, profoundly influencing Cooper’s growth and personal development.

Preston, Cooper’s best friend and a key character in the book, plays a significant role in introducing Cooper to the world of rowing. Possessing a natural enthusiasm for the sport, Preston becomes instrumental in persuading Cooper to join the rowing team at Manley Career Academy. His infectious energy and unwavering belief in Cooper’s potential create a sense of camaraderie and shared ambition. As one of the main rowers during the team’s first season, Preston provides a support system for Cooper. However, external circumstances, specifically Preston’s involvement in drug dealing, lead him down a different path, and he eventually quits the team. The contrasting choices between Cooper and Preston highlight the difficult decisions faced by young individuals growing up in underprivileged communities.

Ken Alpart is the founder of the Manley crew program and assumes the role of mentor for the rowers. He works as an options and futures trader and owns his own trading company. Alpart’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to making a positive impact quickly become evident. His passion for empowering youth on Chicago’s West Side is demonstrated through the foundation he established, Urban Options. Alpart’s own rowing background as a collegiate athlete at the University of Pennsylvania deepens his connection with the sport and the team. Throughout the book, Alpart’s presence provides guidance and inspiration to the rowers. Cooper develops a strong bond with Alpart, viewing him as a mentor and father figure. Alpart’s belief in the transformative power of rowing and his consistent support play a significant role in Cooper’s personal and athletic development.

Alvin, a primary character and one of the main rowers in the book, brings a complex presence to the narrative. Though he’s initially portrayed as someone associated with a local gang and engaging in violent behavior, Alvin’s journey takes a turn during the team’s spring break trip to Philadelphia. A moment of trouble propels Cooper into a newfound sense of responsibility for Alvin, leading to a transformative friendship. As Cooper embraces the role of “brother’s keeper” for Alvin, he begins regularly visiting Alvin’s house and walking with him to school every morning. This genuine connection and support defy societal expectations, bridging gaps and transcending stereotypes. Alvin’s character arc demonstrates the power of compassion and understanding and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity.

Malcolm, one of the main rowers and a significant character in the book, adds cultural richness and diversity to the narrative. Cooper highlights Malcolm’s background as coming from a large Muslim family, offering insights into the challenges and dynamics of Malcolm’s upbringing. As he grows up with nine siblings, Malcolm’s experiences are shaped by the values and traditions of his family. However, in Chapter 12, when Cooper calls Malcolm to find out why he missed practice, Malcolm tells Cooper that his father forced him to quit rowing because his father is prejudiced against Jews and does not like that Alpart is trying to change Black kids’ lives. Malcolm’s story raises important themes of identity, familial expectations, and the intersectionality of race and religion.

Coach Jessica, one of the main characters in A Most Beautiful Thing, serves as the primary coach for the team throughout their first season. Responsible for recruiting students to join the team, Coach Jessica takes a hands-on approach in teaching them the fundamentals of rowing. Her dedication and passion for the sport are evident in her commitment to the team’s growth and development. During the team’s second season, after Ken Alpart hires Marc Mandel as the head coach, Coach Jessica primarily focuses on working with a girls’ team. Her supportive presence and coaching expertise contribute to the team’s success and highlight the crucial role of mentorship in the lives of young athletes.

Along with Ken Alpart, Mike O’Gorman is one of the founders of the Manley crew team. While not as present as Alpart or the other coaches, O’Gorman acts as the primary coach whenever he is available. As Cooper explains in the book, O’Gorman was Alpart’s rowing teammate at the University of Pennsylvania and brings a wealth of experience to the team. O’Gorman won numerous national championships as a coach and earned medals in world championships as a coxswain, and his expertise and guidance contribute to the team’s training and development. His background and achievements highlight the significance of experienced mentors in fostering success in the world of rowing.