The Los Angeles Rams and Pepsi, in partnership with Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, Operation Progress and content creators Shamrock Studio/DLP Media Group, have launched Fighting For Light, The Concrete Rose, a short film that tells the inspiring story of amateur boxer Meryland Gonzalez, a 14-year-old Watts, Calif. native and nine-time national boxing champion determined to thrive in the face of difficult surroundings.
Gonzalez grew up in a 500-square-foot apartment in Gonzaque Village, a housing development in Watts, with her parents and two sisters. Currently the No. 1 ranked boxer for her age group in the nation, Gonzalez is determined to chase her dream of competing in the Olympics and succeeding against all odds. Her parents both work in a chicken factory and in the face of a pandemic and reduced hours, have struggled to cover the bare essentials, including food for the family.
“Meryland is an incredible young lady. Her story is inspiring. She’s had to overcome so much and fight for everything she’s been given,” said Michael Hughes, founder and CEO of Peabody and Clio award-winning Shamrock Studio/DLP Media Group. “But even the best fighters need a team around them, and it’s clear Operation Progress and the Rams have played a meaningful role in mentoring and helping Meryland reach her full potential both in and out of the ring.”
The film tells the story of a rose growing in Watts, California. A rose that blooms in the most adverse of conditions, but blooms nonetheless. Helping along the way is Operation Progress, a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower underserved youth to become educated, ethical and productive adults who reach their full potential and positively contribute to society. Given the pandemic, Operation Progress’ focus right now is on food insecurity. The film follows the Gonzalez family attending a special grocery shopping event along with 70 other families from the community, one of the many ways OP and partner organizations are supporting the community of Watts during this unprecedented time.
Watts native Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey composed and performed the vocal track for the film. Stix has worked his way to become a rapper, record producer, songwriter and entrepreneur over the last 17 years. Beyond his accomplishments as a musician, Stix is an advocate for giving back to his community through his THINK WATTS Foundation and continues to use music as a platform for something bigger. This is the third collaboration between Stix and the Los Angeles Rams.
“This film has been a labor of love,” said head Of production at DLP Media Group Matt Schlef, who directed the documentary. “Meryland is not only a fighter, she is a natural talent, gifted in so many ways. This unique film could not have happened without her and her wonderful family. And the collaboration with our partners including Pepsi, AVP and the Rams, helped make this an aspirational piece of content, and a truly memorable experience.”
This film builds on the work the Rams and Operation Progress have done together, including a virtual five-week character development series for middle school students in Watts hosted this fall. Each week, Rams players joined Operation Progress scholars to explore different character traits such as personal responsibility, perseverance and self-discipline. The Rams’ head of security, Dave Love, who spent 28 years with LAPD and served as an Operation Progress mentor, concepted and spearheaded the program. The Rams players also recently awarded Operation Progress with a $30,000 social justice grant to help fund their monthly grocery program.
