History tries to find patterns and reason in past events that, when they are happening, can seem random or meaningless. Talk about why this is important. Think about young people's own family histories. What shaped their movements and choices? Is it important to have some idea of how and why we ended up as we are?
Is this true for societies and nations as well as individuals?
Many people feel Black experiences have been neglected in the history of the UK. Do young people agree? What might it feel like to have your history ignored?
For some years schools have taught about heroines such as Mary Seacole alongside traditional figures like Florence Nightingale. What do young people think of this? Has it worked as intended?
History is not just about prominent individuals but about ordinary people and the forces that shaped their lives. What do young people know about some of these powerful influences?
Do they know much about the slave trade, the British Empire, and European colonisation of Africa?
Do they want to know more?
People have pointed out that the BBC's Greatest Briton competition last year did not feature a single Black person. If this bothers young people, invite them to vote in the Great Black Britons debate. The list - www.100greatblackbritons.com - names 100 Black Britons, including the Roman emperor Septimus Severus and Claudia Jones, driving force behind the Notting Hill Carnival. If young people say they haven't heard of many in the list, talk about reasons for that.
The month is a celebration. So have a party to recognise the achievements over the centuries of Black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities in shaping today's Britain. Watch out for local music and drama performances.
Should awareness of Black history stop at the end of October? Talk about how Black History Month can be a start, not an end.
