William Wilberforce

William Wilberforce was a British politician, a philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. A native of Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, he began his political career in 1780, and became an independent Member of Parliament (MP) for Yorkshire (1784–1812). In 1785, he underwent a conversion experience and became an Evangelical Anglican, which resulted in major changes to his lifestyle and a lifelong concern for reform.

24 August 1759

Born on the same birth day (24 August): Alain Daigle • Brett Gardner • Derek Morris (ice hockey) • Gerry Cooney • Jeffrey Daniel • Jennifer Lien • Martin-Baker • Meg Munn • Per Gade • René Lévesque • Tosia Altman