Philadelphia Celebrates Its Own “Real Life Rockys” with Mural Monuments Honoring Local Champions of Resilience

As part of RockyFest 2024, running from December 3 to 8, 2024, Mural Arts and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation announce the honorees of the Real Life Rockys mural project. This project recognizes four remarkable Philadelphians whose real life stories of grit, resilience, and commitment embody the spirit of the City of Brotherly Love. These mural monuments, created by Philadelphia muralist and street artist Ash Ryan, have been unveiled near the iconic Rocky statue at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  They celebrate individuals who have made Philadelphia proud through their unwavering determination and community contributions.

Chosen from a competitive pool of nominations, the honorees reflect Philadelphia’s “underdog” spirit, overcoming obstacles with strength, hope, and humility. These “Real Life Rockys” have their stories presented on three 8’ x 8’ walls near the Rocky statue, with mural portraits and biographical details that will inspire millions of visitors.

The 2024 Real Life Rockys honorees are:

Chantay Love-Mason – Founder of EMIR (Every Murder Is Real)
Raised in Germantown, Chantay has been a passionate advocate for families impacted by gun violence since the tragic loss of her brother, Emir. Through her organization, EMIR, Chantay provides crucial support to those coping with trauma, showing unbreakable resilience and commitment to community healing. Her leadership exemplifies the empathy and strength essential to Philadelphia’s spirit.

Michelle Konkoly – Paralympic Champion and Philadelphia Resident Physician
After a spinal cord injury, Michelle trained in Philadelphia, transforming into a two-time Paralympic gold medalist in swimming. Today, she continues to inspire as a resident physician at Jefferson, specializing in pediatric rehabilitation. Michelle’s journey from adversity to achievement is a powerful example of courage and determination, embodying the Rocky spirit in both her athletic and professional life.

The Late Jimmy Young – Legendary Heavyweight Boxer
North Philadelphia’s own Jimmy Young, a posthumous honoree, rose from humble beginnings to become one of boxing’s most respected figures. Known for his strategic skills and resilience, Jimmy faced some of the sport’s greatest legends, including Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, inspiring his community and earning a place in the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. His legacy continues through the admiration of his son, Jason Young, and the pride he brought to Philadelphia.

Joshua Santiago – Advocate for Equality and Founder of Empowering Cuts
Joshua’s journey began in North Philadelphia, where he faced numerous challenges growing up. Today, through his nonprofit, Empowering Cuts, Joshua travels across the country, offering free haircuts to individuals experiencing homelessness. His dedication to uplifting those in need resonates deeply with Philadelphia’s values of equality and compassion.

These portraits serve as powerful testaments to the strength, resilience, and community impact of each honoree. The Real Life Rockys mural monuments were unveiled on Wednesday, December 4, celebrating these inspiring stories and honoring Philadelphia’s spirit of determination and strength.

“Our Real Life Rockys remind us of the strength within our own communities,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director at Mural Arts Philadelphia. “Through these mural monuments, we hope to inspire others to celebrate resilience and recognize the everyday heroes among us.”

“Millions of visitors come to see the Rocky statue each year, and this project allows us to introduce them to Philadelphia’s real-life champions,” added Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. “The stories of Chantay, Michelle, Jimmy, and Joshua reflect the power of resilience and the heart of Philadelphia.”

About Lead Artist Ash Ryan

Ash Ryan is a street artist and muralist from Philadelphia. Ash has received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and has worked in different mediums such as acrylic, oil, graphite, embroidery, printmaking, tattooing, and floral design. She specializes in realism with saturated colors, clean blends, and vivid imagery. Her versatile expertise ranges from portraits and hands to flora, fauna, and fabrics. Some themes of her past work include social justice, inclusion, diversity, queer culture, nature, and women’s rights. Ash has painted murals for large clients such as Ticketmaster, Target, the National Association of Realtors, Kids Against Hunger, and Grocery Outlet. She enjoys traveling for mural work and painting large-scale walls. Ash’s work has been featured in Variety, Philadelphia Magazine, Fox News, and many other publications worldwide.

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