May 4

For the first time since 2019, Kent State University will remember May 4, 1970, with its return to an in-person, annual commemoration to honor the four students who were killed, the nine students who were wounded and the countless others whose lives were forever changed when the Ohio National Guard fired on Kent State students during an anti-war protest. 

Educators from across the country recently attended the weeklong, virtual 2021 Landmarks of American History and Culture workshop, “Making Meaning of May 4: The 1970 Kent State Shootings in U.S. History,” which has been made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

New bronze markers identify the locations where nine students were wounded when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on May 4, 1970, during an anti-war demonstration.

New digital content for the May 4 augmented virtual reality experience is set to premiere to coincide with this year's commemoration.

Members of the Kent State University community and people around the world will gather virtually for the 51st Commemoration of May 4, 1970, the day the Ohio National Guard fired on Kent State students during an anti-war protest, killing four students and wounding nine other students.

To honor and remember the events that occurred on May 4, 1970, virtual events and exhibits hosted by Kent State University students, faculty and staff are scheduled from April 30 through May 4. The virtual events include several powerful speakers and events that promote peace and anti-racism and educate future students about the legacy of May 4, 1970.  

Kent State University has awarded the inaugural Alan Canfora Activism Scholarship to social justice activists and incoming Kent State students Kaedynce Kasiewicz, from McKinley High School in Niles, Ohio, and Chloe McCrone, from Memorial High School in Campbell, Ohio.

Members of the Kent State University community and people around the world will gather virtually for the 51st Commemoration of May 4, 1970, the day the Ohio National Guard fired on Kent State students during an anti-war protest, killing four students and wounding nine other students.

For 50 years, Alan Canfora was a tireless advocate for the four students killed and nine wounded on May 4, 1970.

Movie's screening to be followed by a virtual panel discussion about the impact and lessons of May 4, 1970.