TALK | Building Belonging Across Communities

Join us with award-winning author and rower, Arshay Cooper, as he reflects on his journey in transcending barriers in his sport.

Building Belonging Across Communities

Speaker: Arshay Cooper

Date: March 1, Sun

Time: 1:00pm - 2:15pm

Venue: Africa Centre

Address: 8/F, 191 Woosung St, Jordan

Price: FREE (donations appreciated)

Language: English

Format: Talk

Description:

In this special conversation at The Africa Centre, Arshay Cooper, rower, author, and social changemaker, shares how courage, unity, and resilience can transform lives and neighborhoods.

Arshay’s journey began in one of Chicago’s most underserved communities, where he used the unlikely sport of rowing to confront racial barriers, build trust, and ignite a movement that redefined what was possible for young people of color. His story, captured in the book and documentary, A Most Beautiful Thing, reminds us that transformation begins when those who feel invisible discover their collective strength.

Though Hong Kong’s challenges differ, many here also navigate the realities of invisibility—from migrant workers to local minorities seeking belonging in an ever-changing city. This event invites reflection on how community, empathy, and collaboration can make us all visible.

Join us for an afternoon of insight and dialogue that bridges continents, stories, and shared humanity.

About the Speaker:

Arshay Cooper is a rower, bestselling and award-winning author, a motivational speaker, and the protagonist of the film, A Most Beautiful Thing, based on his first book of the same name that won the 2020 Nautilus Award. The film won the 2021 Gracie Award, was nominated by the Critics’ Choice Association for Best Sports Documentary, and was named one of the best films of 2020 by Esquire. Arshay’s second book, Let Me Be Real With You, was released in October 2025 and has already earned the #1 spot on the USA Today Best-selling Booklist.

*This event is presented in partnership with Africa Centre.

Don’t miss our special offer: Buy 3, Get 1 Complimentary!

Purchase 3 tickets to any events under HKILF 2026 and claim a complimentary seat at one of these exciting talks at Central Library:

•⁠ 3rd March (Tue): On Muscle: The Stuff that Moves Us and Why It Matters (7:00-8:30pm)

⁠•⁠ 4th March (Wed): I Deliver Parcels in Beijing (7:00-8:30pm)

•⁠ ⁠5th March (Thu): Amitav Ghosh: Ghost-Eye (7:00-8:30pm)

To redeem your complimentary seat, email us at info@festival.org.hk with:

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ABOUT HKILF

The Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) inspires the joy of reading by bringing the world’s writers and stories to Hong Kong’s diverse communities. A dynamic year-round programme and an annual festival offer dialogue, entertainment and perspective, while the Young Readers Festival (YRF) motivates students to engage with all aspects of the written word, improving communication skills, while nurturing the art of writing and storytelling.

The annual festival features established and emerging writers from around the world, alongside local literary talents, in a programme that includes panel discussions, book talks, readings, workshops, walks, school programmes, performances, and more.

We are a registered charity non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing the best in the literary arts to Hong Kong. To find more, please visit our official website: https://www.festival.org.hk.

Please note that:

*We are unable to process refunds, please consider your ticket purchase a donation to the festival.

*Photos and videos of participants may be taken during the activities,which may be used by the organiser and the major sponsor for educational and promotional purposes in any way deemed appropriate, including disseminationthrough printed and online channels. Participation in the programme will constitute the participants’ consent to the above arrangement.

*The views and opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Hong Kong International Literary Festival. HKILF disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information shared by the speakers.

*If the Black Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 8 or above is in force 3 hours before the start time of an event, the event will be cancelled and participants will receive a refund. If the Red or Yellow Rainstorm Warning or the Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 is in effect, the event will be held as scheduled.