The May 4th Visitors Center has recently introduced a specialized tour differentiating from their typical one. For Black History month, “Long Live the Spirit of Jackson State” is meant to give viewers the knowledge of what happened at Jackson State University 11 days after the May 4, 1970, shootings at Kent State University.

The tour was guided by Alison Caplan, director of the May 4 Visitor Center. It provides a direct look at the violence that occurred at Jackson State on May 15, 1970 when police opened fire on protesters near a dormitory, which led to two deaths and injuring others. 

The program also explores the political climate and the culture of America regarding Civil Rights and the Vietnam War. 

Dr. Robert Luckett, director of Jackson State’s Margaret Walker Center and history professor said he is grateful for colleges at Kent State who have helped the story of Jackson State be shared. 

The May 4 Memorial at Taylor Hall is open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 1 – 5.pm on Saturday and Sunday. There is expected to be more specialized tours and exhibits in the future.

Kayci Balog is a reporter for KSTV. Contact her at [email protected].