1. In 1954, the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots who fought in World War II, were honored by the Alabama Legislature on May 22nd. This recognition was significant as the Tuskegee Airmen faced racial discrimination and segregation during their military service.

2. On May 22, 1961, an interracial group of Freedom Riders arrived in Montgomery, Alabama. The Freedom Riders were a group of civil rights activists who rode buses into the South to challenge segregation in interstate travel. The arrival of the Freedom Riders in Montgomery led to violent attacks by local segregationists.

3. In 1970, May 22nd was declared "George Wallace Day" by the Alabama Legislature to honor the former governor of Alabama. Wallace was a controversial figure in Alabama politics and is best known for his staunch opposition to civil rights and desegregation efforts in the state.

4. On May 22, 2001, the Alabama House of Representatives voted to remove the Confederate battle flag from the state Capitol dome. The decision came after years of controversy and protests over the flag's presence, which many saw as a symbol of racism and oppression.

5. On May 22, 2011, a massive tornado outbreak hit Alabama, causing widespread destruction and killing over 250 people. The tornado outbreak was one of the deadliest in US history and left many communities in Alabama devastated. In the years since, the state has worked to improve its emergency response and preparedness measures for future disasters.