Schedule of Events
To honor and remember the events that occurred on that tragic day, virtual events and exhibits hosted by Kent State University students, faculty and staff are scheduled through May 4.
Jerry Lewis was professor of sociology at Kent State University from 1966 to 1996. He witnessed the May 4 shootings as a faculty marshal and dedicated much of his career to researching, memorializing, and lecturing about the events of May 4, 1970.
The Jerry M. Lewis May 4 Lecture Series and Luncheon was created to honor the legacy of Jerry M. Lewis Emeritus Professor of Sociology and advance the scholarship of May 4, 1970 and the Vietnam War era.
Join author David Paul Kuhn for a discussion of his book "The Hardhat Riot: Nixon, New York City, and the Dawn of the White Working-Class Revolution."
Visiting students from Emerson College's May 4 & Jackson State class will present excerpts from their own May 4 symposium, followed by a panel of students from both Kent and Boston on the importance of cross-campus solidarity and collaboration.
Jerry Lewis was professor of sociology at Kent State University from 1966 to 1996. He witnessed the May 4 shootings as a faculty marshal and dedicated much of his career to researching, memorializing, and lecturing about the events of May 4, 1970.
Art can be a positive healing experience, allowing reflection, encouraging discussion, and bringing people together. Join the May 4 Visitors Center for a vigil lantern making workshop led by Jennifer Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Art Therapy at Ursuline College.
Join us to explore the lasting impact of the Vietnam War through the perspectives of adoptee Mahli Xuan Mechenbier, J.D., and retired Maj. Gen. Ed Mechenbier, a Vietnam prisoner of war, connecting the war’s humanitarian and historical consequences to Kent State’s legacy.
Join us for a history-focused panel discussion on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 @ 3:00pm in the Raup Geography Library (McGilvrey 417). This event is open to the public and is part of May 4th programming.
The panel will feature:
Explore the Kent campus and downtown area with the scholars behind Mapping May 4. Visitors will walk approximately 2 miles to tour Kent landmarks, learning about the events leading up to, during, and after the tragic shooting in 1970.
This is the Award-Winning National PBS Public Broadcast-screened film- Produced and Directed by Kent State May 4 1970 Veterans, Daniel Miller, Chic Canfora, Bill Whitaker with support from Joe Walsh, and contributions from Alan Canfora, Chic Canfora, Bill Whitaker, Ken Hammond, Candy Knox, Larry