ARMED WITH
OUR VOICES
Kent State student Alan Canfora waves a black flag of protest as the Ohio National Guard kneels and points their weapons. Courtesy of John Filo.
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ABOUT
The Ohio National Guard fires tear gas at protesters. Courtesy of Kent State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives.
IN MAY 1970 AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, FOUR STUDENTS WERE KILLED AND NINE WERE WOUNDED DURING A NON-VIOLENT PROTEST AGAINST THE VIETNAM WAR.
Students guard the injured. Courtesy of Howard Ruffner.
The moment of the shooting.
Courtesy of John Darnell.
AN INTERACTIVE EXHIBIT
The tragedy revealed the grave consequences that result when communication collapses. Today, polarized perspectives, divided communities, and school violence are commonplace.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of the May 4 tragedy, the Wick Poetry Center, with its partners, has developed an interactive exhibit, encouraging visitors to explore the history of student protest and the timely themes of peace and conflict transformation.
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THERE’S A TIME WHEN THE OPERATION OF THE MACHINE BECOMES SO ODIOUS—MAKES YOU SO SICK AT HEART—THAT YOU CAN’T TAKE PART. YOU CAN’T EVEN PASSIVELY TAKE PART. AND YOU’VE GOT TO PUT YOUR BODIES UPON THE GEARS AND UPON THE WHEELS, UPON THE LEVERS, UPON ALL THE APPARATUS, AND YOU’VE GOT TO MAKE IT STOP.
MARIO SAVIO
STUDENT ACTIVIST,
BERKELEY FREE
SPEECH MOVEMENT
THE EXHIBIT
THE EXHIBIT
AN ADAPTABLE POP-UP EXPERIENCE THAT ENGAGES MAY 4, 1970
THE
EXHIBIT
TURNING TOGETHER
At Kent State University, we have learned much in the past 50 years, especially in the areas of peaceful discourse and conflict resolution. Our hope is to connect the current generation to the generation of May 4, 1970.
The exhibit is a simple, adaptable pop-up “pinwheel” experience that engages visitors by drawing them into what happened at Kent State on May 4, 1970, and why it matters today.
DOWNLOAD AN INFO PACKET
Are you interested in learning more, or bringing the exhibit to your community? Click the button below to view, download, or print the packet.
CONTEXTUAL HISTORY
The exhibit assumes no familiarity with the events of May 4, and provides powerful content from the May 4 archives.
ADAPTABLE CONTENT
Content can be easily adapted on the digital Listening Wall to include relevant issues to each community it travels to.
THE LISTENING WALL
More than just a static exhibit of text and photos, a digital Listening Wall experience contains archival videos, articles, oral histories, and photographs that create a deeply immersive experience.
CREATIVE RESPONSE
Each visitor’s experience culminates in a creative response to the exhibit content through the Listening Wall, challenging each person to reflect upon the way in which issues of equality, justice, and human rights—then and now—are deeply connected.
EXHIBIT
LOCATIONS
EXHIBIT LOCATION UPDATE
We are closely monitoring the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are following the proactive approach taken by Kent State University and the State of Ohio. At this time, we are suspending public exhibitions of the Armed with Our Voices exhibit.
LESSON
PLANS
We've created a 4 lesson plans to inspire creative writing and reflective thought around May 4th. Click the button under each card to download an 8.5x11" PDF.
COMMUNITY
RESPONSES
Each visitor’s experience of the Armed with Our Voices exhibit culminates in a creative response to the exhibit content through the Listening Wall, challenging each person to reflect upon the way in which issues of equality, justice, and human rights—then and now—are deeply connected.
BRING THE EXHIBIT TO YOUR COMMUNITY
GET IN TOUCH
David Hassler
Director, Wick Poetry Center
Kent State University
330.672.1769
DOWNLOAD AN INFO PACKET
Are you interested in learning more, or bringing the exhibit to your community? Click the button below to view, download, or print the packet.
RELATED PROJECT
PARTICIPATE IN THE GLOBAL PEACE POEM
ABOUT
The Global Peace Poem is a global community poem in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Kent State University’s May 4 shootings.
The Wick Poetry Center invites people from around the world to contribute a line or stanza to a global community peace poem titled “My Voice.” As Kent State University approaches the 50th anniversary of the May 4 shootings, the themes of the poem will reflect peace, conflict transformation, and advocacy.
RELATED PROJECT
MAY 4 VOICES RADIO PLAY
LISTEN ONLINE
A one hour radio special, available for free starting in April on PRX. The play draws on the Kent State May 4th Oral History Archive, and is written by David Hassler and produced and directed by Joe Gunderman.
ARMED
WITH
OUR
VOICES
