William Wilberforce Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about House of Commons

On August 24, the birthday of the revolutionary British philanthropist and politician William Wilberforce is observed. The day is officially recognised as a holiday to honour his life and legacy. Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio, conceived of the holiday. Each year, thousands of people witness the events and festivities of the day. William Wilberforce was born in 1759 in the city of Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. At the age of 21, he entered the House of Commons, where he served for 45 years. On July 29, 1833, at the age of 74, he passed away.

The background of William Wilberforce Day

The 1784 conversion of William Wilberforce to evangelical Christianity influenced his abolitionist views. He was renowned for employing his exceptional debating and oratory skills to emphasise the brutality of enslavement. He was a pioneer in the movement to halt the British slave trade and emancipate slaves. In 1787, Wilberforce also assisted in the formation of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade, also known as the Anti-Slavery Society. For his liberal causes, he joined and led a Christian missionary and abolitionist organisation.
Wilberforce introduced twelve resolutions against the slave trade in 1789. None of these were successful, however. He did not become disheartened, and in 1791 he introduced a second unsuccessful motion. In 1792, he crafted a compromise bill that permitted the gradual abolition of the slave trade, which was eventually approved by other legislatures. His 1807 legislation finally outlawed the slave trade in Britain. It did not, however, liberate those who were already subjugated.

1821 marked the beginning of Wilberforce and Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton’s struggle for the immediate emancipation of all slaves. In 1823, Wilberforce participated in the formation of the Society for the Mitigation and Gradual Abolition of Slavery Throughout the British Dominions and assumed the position of vice president. In 1825, he resigned from the House of Commons. Three days before his death, on July 26, 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was ratified. This eventually prohibited slavery in the British Empire. The legacy of Wilberforce transcends the issue of slavery. Additionally, he has founded, funded, or lead over sixty organisations that aim to improve society. Examples include organisations that addressed child labour issues and supported deaf education.

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