Kent State will host a special virtual screening of “Fire in the Heartland: Kent State, May 4 and Student Protest in America,” a film by Daniel Miller, at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 5. The screening will be followed by a virtual panel discussion with Chic Canfora, a May 4 witness; Tiera Moore, student body president for Kent State’s Undergraduate Student Government; and Ethan Lower, director of governmental affairs for Undergraduate Student Government.
"Fire in the Heartland is the most powerful documentary ever made about the Kent State shootings in 1970, but Director Danny Miller’s treatment of the story makes it more relevant than ever to today," Canfora said. "The film connects us and makes the message timeless."
The virtual screening event is open to all Kent State students, faculty and staff, and attendees. is required.
In keeping with the commitment to honor and remember the events of May 4, 1970, will hold a virtual May 4 51st Commemoration this year. On May 4, 1970, the Ohio National Guard fired on Kent State students during an anti-war protest, killing four students and wounding nine other students. Due to the global pandemic, the May 4 Commemoration and Candlelight Vigil will again be virtual.
"I've served on many May 4 panels, but the ones I enjoy most are those that enable me to engage with today's students," Canfora said. "I know they come to learn from us, but I always leave inspired by them. They are just as committed to peace, equality, and social justice as we were in the '60s, and they are just as willing to fight for it."
Canfora notes that the movie ends with John Lewis telling us to make good trouble and to "find a way to get in the way."
"As an educator, the film gives me a frame to reflect on actions we took during the anti-war movement that were effective and ineffective," Canfora said. "It also enables me to help a new generation of activists be effective in making 'good trouble.'"
For more information on this year's events, visit the May 4, 1970, 51st Commemoration Page.