Kent State Remembers 1970 Tragedy as Canfora Family Donates Historic Collection

KENT, Ohio — Every May 4, Kent State University falls silent in remembrance of one of the darkest days in American campus history. In 1970, Ohio National Guard troops opened fire on Vietnam War protesters, killing four students and wounding nine others.

This year’s commemoration carried extra weight as the family of Alan Canfora—one of the wounded survivors—donated his extensive personal archive to the university. The collection, spanning 70 boxes of photographs, posters, and documents, ensures future generations will never forget what happened.

A Day That Changed America

On May 4, 1970, tensions over the Vietnam War reached a breaking point at Kent State. Students protesting the U.S. invasion of Cambodia clashed with National Guard troops, who fired live rounds into the crowd.

Allison Krause, Jeffrey Miller, Sandra Scheuer, and William Schroeder were killed. Nine others, including Alan Canfora, were wounded.

Joe Lewis, another survivor, still recalls the moment he was shot.

“I had a small entry wound the size of a quarter, and a large exit wound the size of a Coke can,” Lewis said. “I was knocked to the ground.”

Now 56 years later, survivors like Lewis continue fighting for the truth.

“We weren’t terrorists,” he said. “We were just smart, rebellious kids who believed in freedom of speech. The Constitution protected our right to protest.”

A Legacy Preserved

Alan Canfora, who passed away in 2020, spent decades documenting the tragedy. His sister, Roseanne “Chic” Canfora, who also survived the shootings, helped dedicate the collection.

“For those of us who survived, the memories don’t fade,” she said. “We still have unanswered questions—why did they shoot? How do we prevent this from happening again?”

The Canfora archive will serve as an educational tool, ensuring students understand the dangers of unchecked government force.

A New Generation Reflects

Ollie Graves, a Kent State freshman, attended this year’s memorial.

“Hearing survivors speak makes me realize how important my voice is,” Graves said. “Their courage inspires me to stand up for justice.”

Lewis hopes the lessons of May 4 will endure long after the last survivors are gone.

“Don’t give up on freedom,” he said. “Keep fighting for what the Constitution promises.”

Four of the nine wounded students have since passed away. But with the Canfora collection now preserved, their stories will live on.

— Reported by Nexio News