Covid 19 Postponement Statements from Kent and Jackson State Universities

Kent State May 4 50th Commemoration Weekend Events Canceled in Response to COVID-19 Virus
 
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, Kent State University regretfully announces cancellation of the May 4 50th Commemoration Weekend events, scheduled to take place May 1-4, 2020. 
 
A meaningful virtual May 4 Commemoration program is under development, and details will be announced at a later time. This online program will honor and remember Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer and William Schroeder who were killed and nine other Kent State students who were wounded on May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard fired on students during an anti-war protest. 
 
This action comes as a great disappointment to so many who have looked forward to this milestone weekend and who have worked tirelessly to make this event happen,” said Kent State President Todd Diacon. However, the health, safety and well-being of everyone is our first priority.”
 
Diacon noted that the planning process itself has provided a firm foundation for future commemorations and ongoing educational efforts. For the first time, Kent State administrators, students and faculty, along with May 4 survivors and family members, united around a commitment to jointly plan a commemoration. The collaboration of groups previously divided on May 4 issues personifies a spirit of unity and reconciliation that has become an integral part of the history and legacy of the Kent State shootings.
 

The university urges members of the public to follow travel restrictions and other measures adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during this crucial time. Therefore, for the safety of all, and to comply with restrictions on public gatherings indoors and outdoors, the university asks visitors to reschedule their plans, visiting the May 4 National Historic Landmark site only after the national public health emergency has passed and the university has resumed on-campus operations.

For latest information, check https://www.kent.edu/may4kentstate50



Jackson State May 14-15 50th Anniversary Events Canceled

Today, the Margaret Walker Center learned that, due to COVID-19, all events at Jackson State have been cancelled through May 15.

That includes our plans for the 50th commemoration of the Gibbs-Green tragedy when city police and highway patrolmen marched on our campus, firing 400 rounds of ammunition into a women's dormitory in 28 seconds, killing Phillip Gibbs and James Green, wounding 12 others with their wanton gunfire, and injuring hundreds of others physically and psychologically.

While our public events will not be held, the MWC is committed to commemorating the tragedy and lifting up the lives of those who have had to live with the legacy of that night for the past 50 years. We will begin planning for unique, meaningful ways to do so, including through online resources and social media.

In the meantime, we take heed of the words of our founder, Margaret Walker, in 1972, two years after the shootings.


"The events of May 1970 which we remember today were happenings of far greater significance and of wider scope than man of us supposed at that time....

Although it may be small comfort now either to the bereaved families or to their friends and comrades of all concerned, we must recall those painful hours and re-examine what happened here and know why we must never forget those martyred men nor misunderstand the significance of the trouble then if we would understand our lives today and what is happening to us now....

I challenge you to remember what happened on this campus two years ago. Remember and think again. Ask yourself  - and remember. On pain of your own death - do not dare to forget."


To stay informed about the Gibbs-Green 50th and changes in events, please visit http://websites.one.jsums.edu/gibbsgreen/.