Kent State commemorates 53rd anniversary of May 4, 1970, shootings
On May 4, Kent State University will mark the 53rd anniversary of the day in 1970 when the Ohio National Guard shot and killed four KSU students on campus and wounded nine others in response to student demonstrations against the Vietnam War.
Last Year: May 4 commemorations at Kent State University focus on student advocacy
The university will also acknowledge key May 4 contributors who have died in the past year.
Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder were killed May 4, 1970. Alan Canfora, John Cleary, Thomas Grace, Dean Kahler, Joseph Lewis, Donald Mackenzie, James Russell, Robert Stamps and Douglas Wrentmore were among the wounded
In commemoration, the university will be hosting several events this week. A full schedule can be found on the school's website.
Here are some highlights:
Wednesday, May 3
As part of the Jerry M. Lewis May 4 Lecture Series, now in its second year, assistant professor of Higher Education Administration Erica Eckert, Ph.D., will present a lecture titled "Where Were the Administrators? A Student Affairs Perspective on May 4, 1970," from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The lecture and luncheon will take place in the Kent Student Center Ballroom. It is a ticketed event, but free to attend. Those interested can register online.
At 6 p.m. in the Kent Student Center Ballroom, a screening of the documentary film "Young Plato" will take place.
Remembering May 4, 1970: A look back at the shootings at Kent State University
The movie follows the story of Kevin McArevey, a headmaster of an all-boys primary school in post-conflict Belfast, Northern Ireland. According to the film's website, McArevey is, "a maverick who is determined to change the fortunes of an inner-city community plagued by urban decay, sectarian aggression, poverty and drugs."
Following the screening, a panel discussion will be held featuring director Neasa Ní Chianáin, producer David Rane, and headmaster McArevey. This event is ticketed, but free to attend.
The annual candlelight walk and vigil, which began in 1971, will start at 11 p.m. from the Student Commons. Food will be provided beforehand on the Commons and the Prentice Hall parking lot. Registration for the candlelight vigil can be found online.
Thursday, May 4
At noon, visitors and campus community members are invited to gather at the May 4 site at the Kent State Commons to commemorate the moment that the fatal shots were fired.
Kent Chorale will perform, and university students and administrators will make remarks, the Victory Bell will ring, and a moment of silence will be held at 12:24 p.m. Music will precede and follow the remembrance. In case of rain, the event will be held under a tent on Manchester Field.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kent State to commemorate 53rd anniversary of May 4 shootings
