3 minute read
The Corey Jones Memorial
Written by Candice Temple
A small gathering for an immense cause took place last October when the Banks Family took part in the dedication of a special memorial in memory of their grandson and nephew Corey Jones. The moment culminated many years of considering a fitting way to honor Corey, who was tragically killed on October 18, 2015, during an officer-involved shooting in our city.
The memorial pays homage to a sensitive topic for our community. Following the shooting, the city has quietly worked with members of Corey’s family and the Anita Banks Justice for Corey Foundation (named in honor of Corey’s late mother) to change state laws, strengthen city policies, and heal community connections. Nine years later, almost to the date of the anniversary of his death, a striking memorial was revealed just outside the entrance to City Hall.
Corey was a musician; a passionate drummer who gigged with local bands and faithfully played on Sundays at his family’s church in Boynton Beach. A favorite family story recalls one performance when he played with such intensity that he split the drumhead of his snare. The moment was impactful enough to warrant a photo to capture that day.
Inspired by Corey’s love of drumming, local artist Mark Fuller was commissioned to design a custom art piece. A single drum was custom designed using stainless steel which has been CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine milled in delicate detail, despite some areas being as much as an inch thick. Drummers often have a signature way of resting their drumsticks on a snare when not in use. The Banks Family provided this detail and Fuller cast the sticks accordingly. They are laid side-by-side at an angle across the drum, pointing up and to the left. Exactly the way Corey rested his drumsticks.
The drumhead of this piece has a mirror effect, providing the viewer with a moment of literal and figurative reflection while they gaze at the memorial. From a distance, the artwork looks like a real drum sitting on a park bench. This design was selected to allow visitors to interact with the piece and invites them to sit for a while.
Palm Beach Gardens has a history of art and has been dedicated to its use as an expression of sentiment, as well as beauty. Although still mourning his death, it was the family’s wish that the memorial focus on how Corey enjoyed life. The Corey Jones Memorial is sure to spark conversation and solidify Corey’s impression upon our City, as we honor his legacy.
