May 4

Kent State University unveiled bronze markers in honor of nine students who were wounded when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on protesting students on May 4, 1970.

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 is Added for May 4 Augmented Reality Experience

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

Alan Canfora (left), one of the nine Kent State University students wounded on May 4, 1970, gives a tour of the historic May 4 site. Thomas Grace (right), who also was a student wounded on May 4, looks on while Canfora talks.

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.

Candles glow at Allison Krause's marker on the May 4 site at Kent State University.

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.  

Alan Canfora Scholarship Winner

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.

Alan Canfora (left), one of the nine Kent State University students wounded on May 4, 1970, gives a tour of the historic May 4 site. Thomas Grace (right), who also was a student wounded on May 4, looks on while Canfora talks.

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.

Alan Canfora giving a tour on the May 4, 1970 shooting site

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

How We Remember May 4th

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

Photo of B'nai B'rith Hillel Marker on May 4 site

In keeping with the commitment to honor and remember the events of May 4, 1970, Kent State University will hold a virtual May 4 51st Commemoration this year. The virtual commemoration will feature a video premiering at noon on Tuesday, May 4, that focuses on the nine wounded students: Alan Canfora, John Cleary, Thomas Grace, Dean Kahler, Joseph Lewis, Donald Mackenzie, James Russell, Robert Stamps and Douglas Wrentmore.

A woman places a flower through the bullet hole left in a sculpture on the Kent State University campus.

Kent State University invites educators of students in grades 6-12 to apply by March 1 for its 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 major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.