5XÉçÇø

Teach Peace: The Life and Legacy of Jerry Lewis

Tuesday, March 4 - Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Jerry Lewis was professor of sociology at 5XÉçÇø from 1966 to 1996. He witnessed the May 4 shootings as a faculty marshal and dedicated much of his career to researching, memorializing, and lecturing about the events of May 4, 1970. This exhibit explores Lewis’ career as a teacher, academic, faculty marshal, collector and chronicler who was driven by his dedication to May 4 and passion for its preservation.

Then and Now

Fall/Winter 2024

Exhibit by Jeremy Ritch and Alison Caplan

The tragedies of May 4, 1970, when four students lost their lives during a protest against the Vietnam War, serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of civic engagement and the importance of vehemently advocating for one's beliefs.

Today’s students carry the torch of activism, drawing inspiration from those who fought before them. Current movements on campus reflect a mosaic of issues, from racial equality to divestment campaigns, echoing the past struggles against injustice. There is a palpable energy as students rally together, employing social media platforms to organize and amplify their voices.

The cycle of protest at Kent State is not just a footnote in history; it is an ongoing narrative that challenges students to confront injustice boldly and creatively. 5XÉçÇø continues to be a pivotal site for student activism, underscoring the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs in the pursuit of social change.

Exhibitions like this one serve a crucial purpose—they act as a bridge between past and present, reminding students that their voices still matter.