Fire In the Heartland: Kent State, May 4th, and Student Protest in America

Mention May 4, 1970 in this region and most will immediately think of the tragic events that unfolded at Kent State University. Although much has been documented of that day, including the historic 13 seconds that define it, the back story is rarely told (especially the connection to the band DEVO). FIRE IN THE HEARTLAND, which includes some interviews originally filmed in 2004-2005, adeptly produces a timeline of a decade's worth of events that progressively led to May 4th at Kent State. As one interviewee states, “It was no accident.” Instead, it was the culmination of what many refer to as the “decade of death,” which began with the assassination of John F. Kennedy and ended with the deaths at Kent State and beyond. Told through historical video footage and personal accounts from those who were students, the case is made that events were on a trajectory for exactly such a clash to occur. A culture of opposites is demonstrated: the Civil Rights Act and rampant racism; a conservative Ohio town and progressive students trying to make their voices heard; silent vigils and active protests like Chicago in 1968; campus visits by Richard Nixon and a growing mistrust of anything supporting government and, therefore, the stance on Vietnam. A tapestry is woven of poverty, racism, and war, all interconnected. – C.C.P.