WHAT:
On May 1-4, 2025, 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.
This year’s May 4 Commemoration will include special remembrances of John Cleary, one of the nine students wounded during the May 4 shootings, who died Oct. 25, 2025, and Jerry M. Lewis, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Sociology, who served as a faculty marshal during the shootings and worked tirelessly to ensure that the legacy of May 4 would endure. Lewis died Feb. 11, 2026.
As the university looks toward the future, the 56th Commemoration affirms Kent State’s commitment to preserving the voices and lessons of May 4 for generations who were not there to witness it.
“The Power of Our Voices” continues to serve as the theme for the May 4 Commemoration.
WHERE AND WHEN:
“STANDING STILL: DEAN KAHLER AND DISABILITY RIGHTS” EXHIBITION RECEPTION
10 a.m. on May 1
Taylor Hall, May 4 Visitors Center
Kent State’s May 4 Visitors Center will celebrate the student artists and designers featured in the exhibition that examines the legacy of May 4 through the life and activism of Dean Kahler, one of nine students wounded during the May 4 shootings. Paralyzed by a bullet fired by the Ohio National Guard, Kahler transformed personal trauma into a lifelong commitment to disability rights, peace, public service and democratic engagement. Central to the exhibition is a collection of artwork created by students from the Stark County Educational Service Center in collaboration with BZTAT Studios. Through this partnership, students reflect on their own experiences with disability, offering powerful contemporary perspectives that connect Kahler’s story to the lived realities of young people today.
JERRY M. LEWIS MAY 4 LECTURE SERIES AND LUNCHEON
11:30 a.m. on May 1
Kent Student Center Ballroom
Now in its fifth year, the lecture and luncheon will feature speaker David Strittmatter, Ph.D., associate professor of history at Ohio Northern University, who will present “The Guardsmen Speak: Tragedy and Memory 56 Years Later.” The program will conclude with a special remembrance of Lewis, with remarks from Kent State President Todd Diacon; Alison Caplan, director of the May 4 Visitors Center; Susan Roxburgh, Ph.D., professor of sociology and criminology; and Lewis’ son, Damon Lewis.
HARVEST – ULTIMATE NEIL YOUNG TRIBUTE CONCERT
7:30 p.m. on May 2
The Kent Stage, 175 East Main Street in downtown Kent
Harvest celebrates the songwriting, electric jams and acoustic artistry of classic-era Neil Young. The band performs two long sets of classic Young, covering Young’s career from Buffalo Springfield; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; his solo work; and collaborations with Crazy Horse, through to Harvest Moon.
ALAN CANFORA MAY 4 COLLECTION DEDICATION
3 p.m. on May 3
University Library, first floor, Harrick Garden Room
The dedication of the Alan Canfora May 4 Collection, donated by the Canfora family to Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives, will be followed by a reception. Alan Canfora was one of the nine students wounded during the May 4 shootings. During his journey to better understand what occurred on May 4 and its aftermath, Canfora amassed the largest-known private collection of May 4 documents and materials. The dedication program will include words from Kent State President Diacon, Chic Canfora, Ph.D., and the leadership of University Libraries. Select items from the Alan Canfora May 4 Collection will be on exhibit.
FILM SCREENING AND RECEPTION
7:30 p.m. on May 3
Design Innovation Hub Auditorium
Screening of “Fire in the Heartland,” a compelling documentary that explores the rise of student activism at Kent State, the growing anti-war movement and the tragic events of May 4, 1970, when student protesters were killed.
ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT WALK AND VIGIL
11 p.m. on May 3
Kent State Commons
This cornerstone of the commemoration began in 1971. Light refreshments will be available before the Candlelight Walk on the Kent State Commons and in the Prentice Hall parking lot.
MAY 4 COMMEMORATION
Noon on May 4
Kent State Commons
The campus community and visitors will gather on the May 4 site to commemorate the moment that gunfire erupted 56 years ago. The commemoration will include remarks from university students and administrators, a tribute to John Cleary, the ringing of the Victory Bell and a moment of silence at 12:24 p.m.
The commemoration remembers those killed – Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder – and those wounded – Alan Canfora, John Cleary, Thomas Grace, Dean Kahler, Joseph Lewis, Donald Mackenzie, James Russell, Robert Stamps and Douglas Wrentmore – on May 4, 1970.
The May 4 Commemoration livestream can be viewed at www.kent.edu/may4.
MORE INFORMATION:
For the latest information about the commemoration and events planned to honor and remember May 4, 1970, visit www.kent.edu/may4.
MEDIA KIT:
Members of the media may contact Emily Vincent at evincen2@kent.edu to request access to the May 4 media kit, which includes photos from past May 4 Commemorations, historical photos from May 4, 1970, videos related to May 4 and more. NOTE: Photos and b-roll video from this year’s May 4 Commemoration will be added to the media kit by mid-afternoon Sunday, May 4.
MEDIA RSVP:
Members of the media who plan to attend and cover the commemoration or any of the related events are asked to RSVP to Emily Vincent at evincen2@kent.edu.
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