Curated by Haley Antell

The student-run May 4th Task Force (M4TF, sometimes called the “May 4 Task Force”) was founded in October 1975, to raise awareness among students, faculty, administrators and the general public about the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970. The group quickly became involved with planning the annual commemorations of the shootings and advocating for the need to remember and reflect on May 4 and related events, such as the shootings that occurred at Jackson State College (now University) on May 14-15, 1970. The May 4th Task Force has since sponsored, organized and produced events for the commemorations each year, as well as other programming throughout the school year. The Task Force has also played a vital role in connecting its work with the survivors of the shootings, including the families of those killed on May 4. Additionally, members were strong proponents of the construction of the May 4 Memorial and the May 4 Visitors Center. In the long wake of the shootings, which occurred during a protest against the Vietnam War and the invasion of Cambodia, the May 4th Task Force continues the legacy of student activism, peace and social justice at Kent State University today.

This exhibit highlights materials from Special Collections and Archives that document the work of the May 4th Task Force.

Follow the links below to view the digital exhibit. 

• 1975-1976
• 1977-1979
• 1980s
• 1990s
• 2000-2017