William Wilberforce has been called “the greatest reformer in history.” He was a man whose life and legacy had touched the lives of kings, presidents, and the downtrodden throughout the world. One prime minister, Lord Grenville, said during Wilberforce’s lifetime: “Millions unborn will bless his memory.”

On September 16, 1833, a special public meeting was held in New York City. Those in attendance had assembled at the Colored Presbyterian Church at the behest of the Officers of the Convention for the Improvement of the Free People of Color in the United States. It was a singular event. For they were met together to consider how they ought to mark the passing of the British antislavery reformer William Wilberforce, who for nearly fifty years had been “the friend of Africa.” For twenty years Wilberforce had led the fight to abolish the British slave trade – a victory achieved in 1807. Twenty-six years later and just days before his death in late July 1833, Wilberforce had learned that slavery itself would be abolished throughout Britain’s colonies. News of this great human rights victory had just reached America’s shores, as had the news of Wilberforce’s passing.

The Wilberforce house in Hull, where William was born in 1759

Go in the name of God and in the power of His might 'til even American slavery, the vilest that ever saw the sun, shall vanish away before it. — John Wesley encouraging William Wilberforce to dedicate his life to the abolition of slavery

And so sons and daughters of Africa met in New York to consider how they ought to pay tribute to Wilberforce’s memory. During that September meeting several resolutions were unanimously adopted. A committee was also appointed to draft resolutions “expressive of the sentiments of regret felt by the people of color for the death of the Honorable William Wilberforce.” It was their considered opinion that “the most extensive manifestations of feeling be recommended to the people of color throughout the United States.” The other resolutions adopted included a request that “colored freemen throughout the United States” be requested to wear a badge of mourning for thirty days. Pastors of the African-American churches in New York City were asked “to deliver discourses in the several Churches, as soon as practicable, descriptive of the life and virtues of the late William Wilberforce.” Lastly a committee of five was appointed “to select a suitable person to deliver an Eulogy on the Life and Character of the distinguished Philanthropist whose death we so much lament.” Soon afterward, this committee reported “that they had selected Mr Benjamin F Hughes, Principal of the Free School.”

Hughes delivered his Eulogium for William Wilberforce on October 22, 1833. Marked by passages of great eloquence, the address was eventually published and widely distributed. It is now considered a classic work of African-American literature. Hughes concluded by saying that for himself and for his fellow African-Americans, Wilberforce was a man of “unrivalled worth” — the “Hercules of Abolition.”

In the Scriptures no national crime is condemned so frequently, and few so strongly, as oppression and cruelty, and the not using our best endeavours to deliver our fellow-creatures from them. — William Wilberforce

Excerpts from William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity by Kevin Belmonte

William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity is the definitive biography of the English statesman who overcame incredible odds to bring about the end of slavery and slave trade. Called "the wittiest man in England" by philosopher and novelist Madame de Stael, praised by Abraham Lincoln, and renowned for his oratorical genius, Wilberforce worked tirelessly to accomplish his goal. Whether you are an avid student of history, a pupil of prominent leaders of the past, or simply someone who reads for pleasure, you will love award-winning biographer Kevin Belmonte’s vivid account of the life of William Wilberforce. “That the greatest and most successful reformer in all history is almost unknown today is a crying shame. Kevin Belmonte puts this right with his inspiring study of an inspiring life.” “An excellently researched and insightfully written biography… I applaud its sound scholarship and commend its perceptive insights into a great life.” USA UK Canada

Amazing Grace In this inspirational costume drama, Michael Apted recounts a important period in British history. Unsurprisingly, however, his eye-opening biography of 18th century abolitionist William Wilberforce is likely to come as a revelation to many Britons. After all, despite the presence of his wife, Barbara, this isn't a particularly "sexy" story, but it is a powerful one. The title comes from John Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" ("I once was lost but now am found"). Newton was a former slaveholder, who became a clergyman and spent his days repenting. While America had John Brown, England had Wilberforce, and Newton is one of many who helped the MP to abolish slavery in the UK. The story begins towards the end of Wilberforce's mission when he's sick with colitis and addicted to laudanum. Apted continues to alternate between 1797 and 1789, when Wilberforce was fitter and more idealistic, and ends in 1807 as his efforts come to fruition. USA UK Canada

Real Christianity: William Wilberforce He believed that slavery was wrong; and with his classic book, Real Christianity, William Wilberforce set out to describe for people an authentic expression of the Christian faith. In doing so, he changed the course of a nation — and the world. In this modern paraphrase of a contemporary classic, Bob Beltz introduces you to a set of principles critical in living an authentic Christian life. As you read his passionate words, you’ll find that Wilberforce’s examination of what it means to have authentic faith in a time of cultural Christianity resonates strongly, even today. Discover how the concepts of sin, evil and depravity have been watered-down. Find out how the essential beliefs of authentic Christianity have been distorted. Learn how to maintain a biblical lifestyle. Although written more than 200 years ago, the timeless truths in this book will speak to you in fresh ways. It will also serve as a litmus test of the authenticity of your own spiritual values. USA UK Canada

Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery Amazing Grace tells the story of the remarkable life of the British abolitionist William Wilberforce. This accessible biography chronicles Wilberforce's extraordinary role as a human rights activist, cultural reformer, and member of Parliament. At the center of this heroic life was a passionate twenty-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, a battle Wilberforce won in 1807, as well as efforts to abolish slavery itself in the British colonies, a victory achieved just three days before his death in 1833. Eric Metaxas discovers in this unsung hero a man of whom it can truly be said: he changed the world. Before Wilberforce, few thought slavery was wrong. After Wilberforce, most societies in the world came to see it as a great moral wrong. This account of Wilberforce's life will help many become acquainted with an exceptional man who was a hero to Abraham Lincoln and an inspiration to the anti-slavery movement in America. USA UK Canada

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