South Carolina has a rich and complex history when it comes to the contributions and struggles of Black people. Here are some key points about Black history in South Carolina:

1. Slavery: South Carolina was a major center of the transatlantic slave trade during the colonial period, and slavery was deeply entrenched in the state's economy and society. Enslaved Black people played a crucial role in the cultivation of rice, indigo, and cotton crops on plantations.

2. Gullah/Geechee culture: The Gullah/Geechee culture of South Carolina's Sea Islands is a distinct African American cultural heritage that has survived for generations. Gullah/Geechee communities have preserved their African linguistic and cultural traditions, including storytelling, foodways, music, and crafts.

3. Reconstruction era: During the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, South Carolina was one of the first states to establish majority-Black governments. African American leaders like Robert Smalls and Jonathan Jasper Wright held significant political positions and worked to advance civil rights and educational opportunities for Black residents.

4. Civil Rights Movement: South Carolina played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. The Orangeburg Massacre of 1968, where three Black students were killed during a protest at South Carolina State University, highlighted racial tensions in the state. The leadership of figures like Modjeska Simkins and the activism of organizations like the Charleston Hospital Workers' Strike were central to advancing civil rights in South Carolina.

5. Education and culture: South Carolina is home to historically Black colleges and universities such as Claflin University, Allen University, and South Carolina State University, which have been instrumental in providing educational opportunities to Black students. The state also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with institutions like the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture preserving and promoting Black history and culture.

Overall, the history of Black people in South Carolina is one of resilience, resistance, and cultural vibrancy in the face of centuries of oppression and discrimination.