1. May Day was celebrated as a major holiday in South Carolina during the colonial period. It was originally known as "May Morning" or "Maying" and involved dancing, feasting, and the giving of gifts. In some areas, May poles were erected and adorned with ribbons and flowers.

2. May 1, 1865, marked the official end of the Civil War in Charleston, South Carolina. Union General William T. Sherman issued Special Field Orders No. 76, which freed all slaves in the city and surrounding areas. This is known as the "Sherman Proclamation" and was a significant moment in the history of African Americans in South Carolina.

3. May 1, 1941, was the opening day of the first Azalea Festival held in Wilmington, North Carolina. The festival was the brainchild of Hugh Morton, a photographer and entrepreneur from North Carolina. The festival became an annual tradition and helped to promote tourism and economic growth in the region. Many residents of South Carolina have attended the festival over the years.

4. May 1, 1960, marked the beginning of the sit-in movement in South Carolina. A group of African American college students from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg staged a sit-in at a lunch counter in downtown Charleston to protest segregation. The sit-in lasted for several days and drew national attention to the issue of civil rights in the state.

5. May 1, 2000, was the official start of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission. The commission was established by the state legislature to identify, preserve, and promote the historic and cultural contributions of African Americans in South Carolina. Since its founding, the commission has undertaken a range of initiatives, including the creation of historic markers, the development of curriculum materials, and the promotion of cultural tourism.