Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

May 4th Task Force records

Special Collections and Archives

May 4th Task Force records

Special Collections and Archives

May 4th Task Force records

Repository: Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.
Title: May 4th Task Force records
Inclusive Date(s): 1975-2018
Bulk Date(s): 2005-2009
Author: Finding aid prepared by Penny White, December 2011.
Creation: Finding aid encoded by Penny White using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2011
Origination: Kent State University. May 4th Task Force
Extent: 1.5 cubic feet (1 record storage box + 1 flat oversized box + oversized folders)
Physical Location: 12th floor (May 4 Collection, Boxes 25 and 25A)
Finding Aid Identifier: OhKeUSC0132
Abstract: This collection consists of materials that document the proceedings of Kent State University student organization, the May 4th Task Force. Materials in this collection include minutes and financial records, as well as news clippings and event materials pertaining to the annual May 4 Commemoration and additional events of the Task Force.
Revision(s):
January 2013 - Updated
January 2017 - Revised and Updated
Language(s): The records are in English

History of the May 4th Task Force

Founded in October of 1975, the student-run May 4th Task Force (M4TF, sometimes called the "May 4 Task Force") was developed in response to the Kent State University administration's decision to halt university-sponsored funding of the annual May 4 Commemoration. As a result, the group has since sponsored, organized and produced events for the annual commemoration. Since its inception, the May 4th Task Force has sought to support the families affected by the Kent State Shootings of May 4, 1970 by providing educational programming and raising awareness about the event and its impact.

Scope and Content

The collection is comprised of correspondence, event materials, clippings and publications, and other organizational records.

Statement of Arrangement

The collection is organized into the following series and sub-series. Within each series, material is organized chronologically.
Series 1: Correspondence
Series 2: Event Materials
Subseries 1: Event Flyers
Subseries 2: Event Posters
Subseries 3: Vigil Books
Series 3: Clippings
Series 4: Organizational Materials
Subseries 1: Brochures, Guidelines, Statements of Purpose
Subseries 2: Financial Records
Subseries 3: Minutes
Series 5: Publications
Series 6: Artifacts


Separated Material

Largely involved in the execution of the Annual May 4 Commemoration events, additional information on the May 4th Task Force can be found in the Annual Commemoration records of the May 4 Collection. The May 4 Memorabilia and Artifacts collection contains buttons relating to the organization and its events.

Related Material

The Craig Blazinski papers include records from the May 4th Task Force from 1977-1979.

Processing Information

This collection has been processed to allow for future growth.

Restrictions on Access

Some information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This information has been redacted where present on documents in the collection. Un-redacted originals, in all cases, have been retained by Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred Citation

May 4th Task Force records. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

Early information in the collection was compiled by Special Collections and Archives as material was received by a variety of sources. In 2008, former Task Force president, Sarah Lund-Goldstein, placed a number of records of the organization in Special Collections and Archives. Additions were made In 2011 by former Task Force president Stephanie Vincent.

Accruals

Additional materials are added to the May 4th Task Force records on a continual basis.

Subject Headings
The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:
Kent State University. May 4th Task Force--Archives
Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970--Anniversaries, etc.
Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970
College students--Political activity
College students--Associations, institutions, etc.
Kent State University--History
Kent (Ohio)--History
Functions:
Committees--Management
Occupations:
College students
Material Types:
Correspondence
Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
Minutes
Fliers (printed material)
Financial records
Programs



Detailed Description of the Collection

Series 1: Correspondence, 1975-2008
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 1975-1976
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 1977
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 1978
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 1989
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 1990
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 1992
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 1996
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 1997
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 2002
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 2006
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 2007
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, 2008
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Correspondence, undated
View the contents of this file.

Series 2: Events, 1975-2018

Subseries 1: Event Files, 1975-2018
Scope and Content
Event files include schedules, flyers, leaflets, notes, and other materials related to Task Force events.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1975
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1976
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1977
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF Events, 1978
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1979
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1986-1987
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1987-1988
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1989-1990
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1990-1991
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1992-1993
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1993-1994
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1996-1997
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1997-1998
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 1999-2000
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 2005-2006
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 2006-2007
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 2007-2008
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 2008-2009
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 2012
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, 2018
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Events, undated
View the contents of this file.

Subseries 2: Event Posters, 1975-1991
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "Murder at Kent 1970", December 1, 1975
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
From poster: "find out the truth from victims...lawyers...parents...and others; films Confrontation at Kent; Kent State, May 1970..."
Processing Information
Year of this event was supplied through a search of the Daily Kent Stater.
Related Material
Box 96, Item 81 of the May 4 Collection is an audio recording of this event.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "The Truth about Kent State Decide for Yourself", March 9, 1976
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
View the contents of this file.
Processing Information
There is a handwritten year of 1976 on poster, but year of event is uncertain.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "The Truth Demands Justice", May 3-4, 1976
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
Physical Description: 2 copies.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
From poster: "May 3-4, 1976." Includes schedule of events for those dates.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "The Truth Demands Justice", November 30, 1976
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
Physical Description: 2 copies.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
From poster: "Case lawyer and wounded students, films 'Kent State 1970' and 'Confrontation at Kent State,' November 30."
Processing Information
There is a hand-written date on this poster of 1976, but year of event is uncertain.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "The Truth Demands Justice", March 7, 1977
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
From poster: "Speakers from the "Kent 25" Bill Arthrell and Ken Hammond and film 'Kent State 1970,' March 7"
Processing Information
Year of this event was supplied through a search of the Daily Kent Stater.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "The Truth Demands Justice", May 3-4, 1977
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
Poster lists scheduled events for May 3-4, 1977 with featured speakers and events including Dr. Gene Sharp, Candlelight March and Vigil, Dick Gregory, William Kunstler, Ron Kovic, Stokely Carmichael, Workshops, and a "Truth Demands Justice" March.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: Hearts and Minds film screening with speaker Tim Butz, February 28, 1978
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
Physical Description: 2 copies.
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: Hearts and Minds film screening, February 28, 1978, March 1, 1978
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "The Truth about Kent State May 4, 1970", November 29, 1978
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
Physical Description: 2 copies.
View the contents of this file.
Processing Information
There is a hand-written date on this poster of 1978, but year of event is uncertain.
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "Kent State May 4, 1970...The day the war came home!", December 12, 1979
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
Physical Description: 2 copies.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
From poster: "A ten year review featuring Tom Grace."
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: "The Evening After, Looking to the Future", May 4, 1990
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
From poster: "Kent State 20 years later; World film premiere, Letter to the Next Generation; Holly Near, song writer/singer; Redbird on the Rise - Latino Rapper."
Box 25
M4TF: Poster: Willy Porter concert, May 4, 1991
Physical Location: Filed in map case.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
From poster: "and Sean Kay and the Flying Locomotives; May 4 Commemoration Concert."
Processing Information
Year of this event was supplied through a search of the Daily Kent Stater.

Subseries 3: Vigil Books, 1989-2007
Scope and Content
Vigil Books are sign-up books for the candlelight vigil coordinated annually by the Task Force as part of its commemoration events.
Box 25
M4TF: Vigil Book, 1989-1990
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Vigil Book, 1994-1995
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Vigil Book, 1995-1996
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Vigil Book, 1996-1997
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Vigil Book, 1997-1998
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Vigil Book, 2006-2007
View the contents of this file.

Series 3: Clippings, 1975-2009
Scope and Content
Includes clippings by/about the May 4th Task Force. Includes press releases.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 1975-1976
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 1987
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 1990
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 1996
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 2005
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 2006
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 2007
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 2008
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: Clippings, 2009
View the contents of this file.

Series 4: Organizational Records, 1990-2009

Subseries 1: Brochures, Guidelines, Statements of Purpose, 1977-2009
Scope and Content
This subseries includes documents that reflect the purpose, mission, and operational guidelines of the Task Force. Included are Student Organization Registration forms that Kent State requires to be completed for any registered student organization. These forms have primarily been retained because they include names of officers and advisors, and, often, statements of purpose for the organization.
Box 25
M4TF: Brochures, Guidelines, Statements of Purpose, 1977-2009
View the contents of this file.

Subseries 2: Financial Records, 1991-2008
Scope and Content
This subseries primarily contains applications for funding for various events of the Task Force. Also included are a few student activity fee allocation statements.
Box 25
Financial Records, 1991-1992
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
Financial Records, 1992-1993
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
Financial Records, 1993-1994
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
Financial Records, 1996-1997
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
Financial Records, 1999-2000
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
Financial Records, 2006-2007
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
Financial Records, 2007-2008
View the contents of this file.

Subseries 3: Minutes, 2006-2009
Box 25
Minutes, 2006-2007
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
Minutes, 2007-2008
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
Minutes, 2008-2009
View the contents of this file.

Series 5: Publications, 1977
Box 25
M4TF: "The Truth Demands Justice", 1976
Physical Description: 16 pages.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
Printed memorial booklet containing poetry, photographs, artwork, and quotations.
Box 25
M4TF: "Chronological Summary of the May 4th Court Cases", 1977
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: "Chronology - Kent, Ohio - May 1-4, 1970", 1977
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: "Chronology of HPER Facility Planning and May 4 Coalition", 1977
View the contents of this file.
Box 25
M4TF: "May 4, 1977", 1977
Physical Description: 16 pages.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
Printed memorial booklet poetry, photographs, and a letter from Peter Davies.
Box 25
M4TF: "In Memorium...", 1978
Physical Description: 16 pages.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
Printed memorial booklet containing biographical information on the students killed on May 4, 1970, poetry, and photographs.
Box 25
M4TF: "Position Paper Concerning Past Disruptions...", April 16, 1980
Physical Description: 5-page typescript (2 copies)
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
Full title: "May 4th Task Force Position Paper Concerning Past Disruptions and Our Sincere Intention to Ensure a Completely Peaceful Commemoration of the Tenth Anniversary of the May 4th Massacre."
Box 25
M4TF: "25 Years After", 1995
Physical Description: 16-page booklet with illustrated and content-filled paper wrappers.
View the contents of this file.
Scope and Content
25th Commemoration Program. Includes photographs, poetry, chronologies, and other commemorative content related to the 25th anniversary of the Kent State shootings.
Box 25
M4TF: Flyers, undated
View the contents of this file.

Series 6: Artifacts, undated
Box 25
M4TF: Armband: "Move the Gym", undated
View the contents of this file.
Box 25A
M4TF: Banner: "No War for Oil", undated
Physical Description: Orange cloth with black lettering.
View the contents of this file.