William Wilberforce was a British politician, philanthropist, and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. He was born in 1759 and dedicated much of his life to advocating for the abolition of slavery and the slave trade. Wilberforce was a member of the British Parliament and used his position to introduce bills and lead campaigns to end the inhumane practice of slavery. His efforts eventually led to the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which abolished the slave trade in the British Empire. Wilberforce continued to work for the complete abolition of slavery, and the Slavery Abolition Act was passed in 1833, just before his death. He is remembered as a key figure in the fight against slavery and for his commitment to social justice.