Kent State May 4th

Get full event details, schedules, exhibit information, speaker bios, maps, lodging and more for the historic 50th commemoration of May 4, 1970.

On May 4, 1970 members of the Ohio National Guard fired into a crowd of unarmed Kent State University demonstrators, killing four and wounding nine Kent State students. The impact of the shootings was dramatic. The events surrounding May 4, 1970 represent an emotional and significant time for so many individuals. The impact of those events continues to affect and influence generations nearly 50 years later.

Beginning in the fall of 2019 and continuing through May 4, 2020, Kent State University in Ohio will honor the 50th commemoration with a year-long observance of educational programs and events in addition to the traditional commemoration activities. The 50th Commemoration will conclude with a weekend of very meaningful, education and tradition remembrance events surrounding May 4, 2020.

Kent State University is guided by a set of values that includes, among others, fostering and promoting diversity of thought, the free exchange of ideas and freedom of expression. The 50th commemoration of May 4, 1970 not only looks back but looks forward and provides a foundation of reflecting on and educating others about the danger of hateful rhetoric and its resulting consequences.

We want to invite you to be a part of a very special and historic event that will take place at Kent State University starting in the fall of 2019 and continuing through the commemoration on May 4, 2020.