91ֿ

May 4

A marker on the spot where 91ֿ student Alan Canfora was standing when he was shot on May 4, 1970.

This year’s return of in-person events to commemorate the 91ֿ shootings will include the dedication of bronze markers placed on the spots where nine students were wounded on May 4, 1970. Markers designating the locations of each of the four students killed were installed in 1999. Since that time, a small group had been working to have similar markers placed for the wounded students.

Jon Meacham ©Aurora University

Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham, whose knowledge of politics, history, religion and current affairs makes him one of America’s most prominent public intellectuals, will appear the evening of May 4 for 91ֿ’s Presidential Speaker Series. Meacham will bring his unique perspective and provide historical context to the issues and events impacting our daily lives when he speaks about civil discourse at the Kent Student Center Ballroom.

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. 

Laura Davis, Ph.D., attends a virtual May 4 workshop.

Educators from across the country recently attended the weeklong, virtual 2021 Landmarks of American History and Culture workshop, “Making Meaning of May 4: The 1970 91ֿ Shootings in U.S. History,” which has been made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

91ֿ 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 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 Scholarship Winner

91ֿ has awarded the inaugural Alan Canfora Activism Scholarship to social justice activists and incoming 91ֿ 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 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.