William Wilberforce Day

William Wilberforce Day is observed on August 24 in honor of the British politician who dedicated much of his life to fighting against the slave trade and slavery in Britain.

History

The holiday takes place on the birthday of William Wilberforce, born August 24, 1759. He was elected to Parliament while still in college, and after traveling to Europe in 1784, he became a passionate advocate for ending the sale, purchase, and oppression of people. In 1807, Parliament passed a law prohibiting the slave trade in the British Empire, thanks to Wilberforce’s tireless efforts.

Interesting Facts

1. Despite suffering from ulcerative colitis, Wilberforce overcame his illness and raised a family with six children, all while continuing his fight against slavery.
2. He had poor eyesight and was known to carry books and a bottle of ink with him everywhere, often staining his clothes with ink.
3. Wilberforce struggled with concentration and attention span throughout his life.
4. Despite personal challenges, Wilberforce always had a clear sense of purpose and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals.

How to Take Part

To celebrate William Wilberforce Day, watch the film Amazing Grace (2006), which tells the story of Wilberforce’s fight against slavery. The movie stars Ioan Gruffudd as Wilberforce and Benedict Cumberbatch as his friend William Pitt, is directed by Michael Apted, and features Romola Garai, known for her roles in historical films.

When is William Wilberforce Day in 2025?

William Wilberforce Day is observed on August 24 each year.

Observations