May 4 Visitors Center

Oh deer! We had a special visitor at Taylor Hall this afternoon- We hope she was able to check out our interpretive panels and learn something new ✨🦌

In 2025, students, staff, and faculty from Kent State University visited Jackson State University on an alternative spring break trip, where they learned firsthand about the events of May 14, 1970, when state troopers opened fire on the women’s dormitory, Alexander Hall, killing James Earl Green and Phillip Lafayette Gibbs. During our May 4 commemoration, students often hear the phrase, “Long live the spirit of Kent and Jackson State.” Through this trip, they were able to experience that connection in a deeply personal way.

Today, we are thinking of our friends at Jackson State University, especially survivor James Lap Baker, who passed away this past year.

📸: Jeremy Ritch

It’s been a busy and meaningful week, and while we haven’t had a chance to post during this year’s commemoration, we want to sincerely thank everyone who joined us.

We welcomed more than 300 visitors on May 4, along with over 206 high school students who visited on field trips over the past three days. From honoring John Cleary and Dr. Jerry Lewis to sharing Dean Kahler’s story, this week reminded us why these histories and conversations continue to matter.

Thank you to our staff, students, supporters, and visitors for helping keep these memories and legacies alive.

Long live the spirit of Kent and Jackson State.