Recently, the Emerald series Research in Social Movements, Conflicts, and Change (RSMCC) of which Dr. Lisa Leitz (Peace Studies and Sociology) is the editor in chief, released a new book titled Four Dead in Ohio: The Global Legacy of Youth Activism. Although the coronavirus pandemic canceled most of the 50th anniversary events commemorating the National Guard shootings of students at Kent State, they were still able to hold a virtual book launch for this book as part of Kent State’s “50 Years of Peaceful Change (1971-2021)” events. Dr. Leitz introduced the event and called the presentations by chapter authors, “an enlightening view into the global dissemination of nonviolent tactics and attempts by governments to repress them.”

The peer-reviewed series’ quantitative and qualitative research-driven scholarship can be seen in this newest volume, edited by Johana Solomon, who is an Assistant Professor School of Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent State University and who taught in the Peace Studies Department at Chapman while completing her doctorate. In Four Dead in Ohio chapters examine the events of May 4th, 1970 and modern examples of global student activism. The volume commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Kent State shootings and demonstrates the strength of youth activism, even as they face state violence.

The RSMCC series was established in 1977 and since entering the role of editor-in-chief of the series in 2019, Dr. Leitz has sought to advance the global conversation about armed conflict, peacebuilding and social movements. With Dr. Leitz at its helm, RSMCC has its first editorial board with expertise on topics related to nonviolent civil resistance, dynamic of violent political conflict, peacebuilding, conflict management and resolution, restorative justice and mediation and the dynamics of contention, revolutions, and social movements. She is working with the board to develop a related short-book series as a space in which practitioners and activists can work alongside scholars.

Aseries’ future volume will investigate the recent and ongoing Black Lives Matter movements and other global racial justice movements to explore new areas of peace building and non-violence.

Congratulations to Dr. Leitz and her editorial team on another successful volume, we look forward to the next release!