Transformative: A report from the Corey Ruiz Memorial Site

People protesting the police killing of Corey Ruiz on July 22nd 2026 quickly established a memorial to him at the intersection of Baldwin and Williamson streets where Ruiz died. Within days, the memorial site grew and the four streets leading to the intersection were barricaded blocking the intersection from vehicles. Since July 22nd, the memorial site has turned in to a small village supplying unhoused people and volunteers with food, non alcoholic drinks, first aid, a People’s Library, clothing and mental health support from professional mental health social workers. There are also about two dozen tents where volunteers and unhoused people spend the night. Security is provided by volunteers with walkie-talkies who use de-escalation techniques to address conflicts. Helena White has this update from a volunteer at the memorial site.