Shaker Heights High School Screening Film On Kent State Shootings

More than 40 years have passed since May 4, 1970, when National Guardsmen fired on Kent State students who were protesting U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and killed four of them.

Not only were students at the Shaker Heights High School not born yet, many of the teachers only know this seminal event as news footage or photos.

To re-assert that day and its importance to history, the school will screen a new film about the Kent State shootings on 6 p.m. on May 9.

May 4th Voices: Kent State, 1970 is a new film based on eyewitness testimony that recounts the tragic events of the day. The testimony is drawn from 110 interviews with students, National Guardsmen, police, hospital workers, and other community members affected by the tragedy.

It was written by David Hassler and filmed by Mathias Peralta.

Hassler, narrator and poet Maj Ragain, and director Katherine Burke will provide an introduction to the film, as well as commentary and discussion after the screening. Several Kent State student actors from the production will also be on hand.

Visit the Shaker Schools web site for information on the film and its screening.