May 4 Commemoration
Historian Brings Guardsmen's Voices to Kent State's Jerry M. Lewis May 4 Lecture
Fifty-six years after four students were killed and nine were wounded on the campus of ºÚÁÏÍø, a historian from outside the university brought a rarely heard perspective to one of the most consequential days in American history – May 4, 1970.
Protector of History: Alan Canfora Collection to be Dedicated at ºÚÁÏÍø Libraries
The largest private collection of documents and materials relating to the May 4, 1970, shootings at ºÚÁÏÍø, amassed by survivor Alan Canfora, will be formally dedicated by University Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives on May
MEDIA ADVISORY: Kent State Remembers May 4, 1970, With 56th Commemoration
ºÚÁÏÍø will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on Kent State students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history.
Kent State Remembers May 4, 1970, With 56th Commemoration
This year’s May 4 Commemoration, to be held May 1-4, 2026, will include special remembrances of John Cleary, one of the nine wounded students, and Jerry M. Lewis, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Sociology, who served as a faculty marshal during the campus shootings and worked tirelessly to ensure that the legacy of May 4 would endure.
'Freedom Is Not Given, It Is Fought For'
Julian Grimes, a graduating senior and president of Black United Students (BUS), delivered an impassioned speech connecting the historical struggle for civil rights to current challenges facing higher education.
IN A FLASH: A Memorable Commemoration
The 55-year commemoration of the tragic events of May 4, 1970 at Kent State included an extensive schedule of presentations, the annual candlelight walk and vigil and the commemoration ceremonies on May 4.
Treating Others With Dignity During Stormy Times Must Be Part of University's Core Values
In a heartfelt address during this year's May 4 Commemoration, ºÚÁÏÍø President Todd Diacon spoke about the challenges of leading during times of change and uncertainty while emphasizing a common theme – the university's commitment to its core values of kindness and respect.
Annual Candlelight Walk and Vigil Marks May 4
Despite rain, ºÚÁÏÍø continued its commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 with the annual candlelight walk and vigil on campus. This cornerstone of the commemoration began in 1971. Participants carried candles as they gathered on the Kent State Commons and in the Prentice Hall parking lot.
Kent State Remembers May 4, 1970, With 55th Commemoration
ºÚÁÏÍø will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on Kent State students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Kent State Remembers May 4, 1970, With 55th Commemoration
ºÚÁÏÍø will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on Kent State students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history.