University Libraries’ new exhibit, "Echoes of Impact: Presenting the Alan Canfora Collection," is currently on display in the Marovitz Special Collections & Archives Gallery, located on University Library’s first floor near the elevators. Explore photographs, documents, artifacts and more from Canfora’s incredible collection of materials documenting his lifelong commitment to activism, advocacy and remembrance of those wounded and killed on May 4, 1970. Curated by Project Archivist Savannah Gould, this exhibit will be on display through July 2025.   

Alan Canfora was one of nine students wounded on May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard shot into a crowd of students demonstrating against the Vietnam War at Kent State University. He was waving a black flag in remembrance of his friend who had died overseas when he was struck by a bullet. Over the course of his life, Canfora was acknowledged as a leader of the May 4 Movement as he gave speeches and interviews, facilitated multiple projects stemming from the aftermath of the shootings, and played a large part in the May 4 Task Force (M4TF), among other activist organizations. Canfora’s goal was to seek the truth about the events of that day, as well as justice for those who were slain and wounded.  

Curated by Savannah Gould, Special Collections Project Archivist, April 2025

Visit Special Collections & Archives’ finding aid to learn more about the Alan Canfora Collection. 

FINDING AID