Kent State shooting victim to speak at Dickinson State

DICKINSON - On May 4, 1970, a bullet from an Ohio National Guardsman’s gun entered and exited Alan Canfora’s right wrist.

Canfora was protesting the American invasion of Cambodia at Kent State University along with other students when guardsmen opened fire on protestors, killing four and injuring nine.

Canfora is scheduled to speak Wednesday at Dickinson State University. He said he plans to put the shootings into the larger context of the Vietnam War and discuss how students today can use activism to promote “positive social change.”

Canfora is the director of the Kent May 4 Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the shootings. The center continues to investigate the incident, Canfora said.

“Basically, we’re trying to find out the truth, so people can learn these lessons and avert future tragedies,” he said.

Canfora has written a memoir about his experience, and he said a feature film based on his writings is in the works.

He said it’s important for people of all ages to know what happened at Kent State.

“I think the events remain relevant in this modern age,” he said.

Admission is free and open to the public. The talk starts at 7 p.m. in Beck Auditorium.

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