*For media planning purposes, Kent State University is providing this monthly email that outlines all planned events for the upcoming month related to the 50th commemoration of May 4. For the latest updates on events, visit www.kent.edu/may4kentstate50/event-schedule.
May 4: Looking Through the Looking Glass – Opening Reception (Dec. 3, 4 p.m., University Library, Room 312)
Highly Visual: The opening reception of May 4: Through the Looking Glass, an immersive and interactive exhibition that seeks to open up new spaces for thinking and feeling the profound legacies of May 4, 1970, will take place 4 p.m. on Dec. 3. The project deploys 3D scanning technologies, immersive multichannel video installation and augmented reality to offer viewers a different perspective from which to grapple with these tragic events. The project features virtual artifacts pertaining to May 4 and its aftermath, a 3D scan of the site where the shootings occurred and excerpts from an audio interview with Alan Canfora, who survived the shootings. May 4: Through the Looking Glass was created by Assistant Professor Abraham Avnisan in collaboration with students in his digital sciences capstone course.
The Fashion School Store (R)EVOLUTION Retold Reveal Day (Dec. 5, 2:15 p.m., Fashion School Store, 201 E. Erie Street, Kent)
Join Kent State’s Fashion School Store in revealing its spring collection titled (r)EVOLUTION Retold. The Fashion School Store’s Learning Lab class has been working all semester to prepare this collection.
How Science Can Help: Fostering Connection in a Fractured World (Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Kent Student Center Kiva)
Are polarization and conflict the new normal? Is it possible for us and our kids to learn resilience and empathy? Social media and the 24-hour news cycle have contributed to a national climate that is more polarized than ever. People report being more isolated than at any time in history, and the rates of depression and anxiety have skyrocketed as a consequence. Cutting-edge research shows that empathy and social connection is still possible, even after tragedy. Talks will provide concrete suggestions for fostering compassion and empathy for others, even under stressful circumstances and even for those who are quite different from us. Join us for TED-style talks and audience discussion moderated by WKSU’s Jeff St. Clair.
Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band Performance (Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., Cartwright Hall, University Auditorium)
On Dec. 6, Kent State’s Hugh A. Glauser School of Music presents “Strong” to commemorate the events of May 4, 1970. This performance by the Kent State Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band will feature music exploring historical events when a person stood resilient in their beliefs. This includes people like Rosa Parks, Omar Thomas, Marsha “Pay It No Mind” Johnson and the attacks of 9/11, and communities and cultures like LGBTQ and Native Americans.
Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595
May 4, 50th Commemoration Project Manager:
Rod Flauhaus, rflauha1@kent.edu, 330-672-2423