Since their official release on Dec. 3, 1976, the iconic ‘Rocky’ movies have put Philadelphia’s fighting spirit on the silver screen, presenting a picture of the city and its people to the world. The determination and resilience of this city have rarely been so perfectly encapsulated and personified, which has made the series not only beloved but a cultural symbol.
Throughout the city, many people have felt a personal connection to the film franchise for multiple reasons, and most can point to one or more Philadelphians they know who embody the city’s spirit. In honor of those “Real Life Rockys,” city officials, in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, honored four remarkable Philadelphians with a special mural project as part of the RockyFest 2024 (Dec. 3 to 8).
Those honored include Chantay Love, founder of EMIR (Every Murder Is Real); Michelle Konkoly, Paralympic champion and Philadelphia resident physician; the late Jimmy Young, a legendary heavyweight boxer; and Joshua Santiago, an advocate for equality and founder of Empowering Cuts.
“We are honored through the Real Life Rockys to portray the contemporary Philadelphia citizens who are making positive impacts on our city every single day, alongside the iconic rocky statue, which is visited by millions of people from across the globe each year,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp. “For the next 30 days, visitors to these iconic steps and this statue will have the opportunity to see two casts of the famous Rocky statue and these four magnificent tributes to incredible real-life Philadelphians, whose lives give visitors a glimpse into the passion and the energy that drives our city and fuels us forward and makes us better.”
