May 4 Commemoration
91´óÉñ Remembers May 4, 1970, With 56th Commemoration
This year’s May 4 Commemoration, to be held May 1-4, 2026, will include special remembrances of John Cleary, one of the nine wounded students, and Jerry M. Lewis, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Sociology, who served as a faculty marshal during the campus shootings and worked tirelessly to ensure that the legacy of May 4 would endure.
'Freedom Is Not Given, It Is Fought For'
Julian Grimes, a graduating senior and president of Black United Students (BUS), delivered an impassioned speech connecting the historical struggle for civil rights to current challenges facing higher education.
IN A FLASH: A Memorable Commemoration
The 55-year commemoration of the tragic events of May 4, 1970 at 91´óÉñ included an extensive schedule of presentations, the annual candlelight walk and vigil and the commemoration ceremonies on May 4.
Treating Others With Dignity During Stormy Times Must Be Part of University's Core Values
In a heartfelt address during this year's May 4 Commemoration, 91´óÉñ President Todd Diacon spoke about the challenges of leading during times of change and uncertainty while emphasizing a common theme – the university's commitment to its core values of kindness and respect.
Annual Candlelight Walk and Vigil Marks May 4
Despite rain, 91´óÉñ continued its commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 with the annual candlelight walk and vigil on campus. This cornerstone of the commemoration began in 1971. Participants carried candles as they gathered on the 91´óÉñ Commons and in the Prentice Hall parking lot.
91´óÉñ Remembers May 4, 1970, With 55th Commemoration
91´óÉñ will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on 91´óÉñ students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history.
MEDIA ADVISORY: 91´óÉñ Remembers May 4, 1970, With 55th Commemoration
91´óÉñ will hold its annual commemoration to honor the memory of May 4, 1970 – a tragic day when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on 91´óÉñ students during an anti-war protest on campus, killing four students and wounding nine others. May 4, 1970, marked a pivotal moment in American history.
ToddCast Episode 3: Jerry M. Lewis
Join us on the 91´óÉñ ToddCast as President Todd Diacon revisits a conversation with Professor Emeritus Jerry M. Lewis, Ph.D.
Hoping Tragic History Will Never Repeat Itself
A group of Emerson College students in Boston, who are enrolled in Gregory Payne’s course about the 91´óÉñ and Jackson State tragedies will visit 91´óÉñ on May 2-4, when the university holds its annual commemoration.
Students Guiding the History of 91´óÉñ
The May 4 Visitors Center uses 91´óÉñ’s history to help guide the community in understanding the past and applying it to the present. Tours conducted by student guides are a rich part of this process.