Final answer:
African-American/Black History Month is observed in February and celebrates the contributions of African Americans-to history and culture. It was initiated by Carter G. Woodson, known as the 'Father of Black History'. The month-long observance offers an opportunity to engage with the achievements and experiences of African Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
African-American/Black History Month is observed every year throughout February. This annual celebration was established to recognize and honor the contributions and history of African Americans. It was the result of the efforts of Carter G. Woodson, an influential African-American historian, scholar, and educator, who became the second African-American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Woodson founded what ultimately became known as Black History Month, transforming the study of black history into a serious scholarly discipline. Originally starting in 1926 as Negro History Week, it was expanded to a full month in 1976, the bicentennial of the United States.
Woodson chose the second week of February for Negro History Week because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both key figures in the history of African Americans. The expansion to a month-long celebration provides a longer period to celebrate the achievements and cultural contributions of African Americans, to learn about their storied history, and to promote a greater understanding of the black experience as an integral part of American history.
Throughout African-American/Black History Month, various educational institutions and organizations host events and activities to engage the public. These events often include lectures, cultural performances, and community outreach, all aiming to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans to our society.