1970 – Jackson State College Shooting Aftermath

On May 17, 1970, the nation mourned the deadly shooting of two students—Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green—by police at Jackson State College (now Jackson State University) in Mississippi, which had occurred just days earlier on May 15. Although not as widely publicized as the Kent State shooting, this tragedy sparked outrage in the Black community and highlighted the deadly double standard in the response to student protests. The events at Jackson State revealed the excessive force used against Black students protesting racial injustice and the Vietnam War. In the aftermath, May 17 became a moment of remembrance and protest. The tragedy prompted discussions on police violence, racial bias in media coverage, and the need for systemic change in how law enforcement interacts with Black communities. Jackson State remains a symbol of resistance and resilience, and May 17 commemorates those lost in the struggle for justice.