91ֿ

May 4 Commemoration

Members of the 91ֿ community participate in the annual May 4 Candlelight Walk and Vigil, a tradition that began in 1971 to remember and honor the students killed and wounded on May 4, 1970.

For the first time since 2019, 91ֿ will remember May 4, 1970, with its return to an in-person, annual commemoration to honor the four students who were killed, the nine students who were wounded and the countless others whose lives were forever changed when the Ohio National Guard fired on 91ֿ students during an anti-war protest. 

Three photos featuring scene from May 4, 1970

The 91ֿ School of Music returns to Severance Music Center on Monday, May 2, at 7 p.m. featuring nearly 300 students from across the university performing a rich lineup of genres and styles from classical and jazz to gospel and world music. It will also feature collaborations with the School of Theatre and Dance and the Wick Poetry Center.

Alan Canfora (left), one of the nine 91ֿ 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 91ֿ 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 91ֿ 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 91ֿ.

To honor and remember the events that occurred on May 4, 1970, virtual events and exhibits hosted by 91ֿ 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 (left), one of the nine 91ֿ 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 91ֿ 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 91ֿ 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.

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, 91ֿ 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.

91ֿ

Beginning Friday, May, visitors to the  will be able to view a variety of special videos, online exhibits and interactive tours, all designed to honor and remember Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder, the 91ֿ students who lost their lives 50 years ago on the 91ֿ campus.

Photo of the four students killed May 4, 1970

In keeping with the commitment to honor and remember the events of May 4, 1970, 91ֿ will have an online “virtual” program to mark the 50th Commemoration with a variety of online videos, exhibits and learning resources.

The names of those killed on May 4, 1970, are displayed on the B’nai B’rith Hillel Marker in the parking lot of Prentice Hall on the campus of 91ֿ.

In accordance with the order of Amy Acton, M.D., director of Ohio Department of Health, to stay at home to slow the spread of COVID-19, and in the interest of the health and safety of the community, 91ֿ regretfully announces cancellation of the May 4 50th Commemoration Weekend events, scheduled to take place May 1-4, 2020.