Amazing Grace, the movie
Sunday August 10th at 1:15
Amazing Grace is based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce. Wilberforce believed that he and his circle of friends were called by God to pursue two great objects: the abolition of the slave trade, and the reformation of society. The slave trade was the economic and political strength of 18th-century Britain – no one dared try to defeat it. After decades of defeats, Wilberforce’s legislation to abolish the slave trade throughout the British Empire became law on March 25, 1807. Along the way, he and his friends launched more than 65 social reforms, including the first animal welfare society, the first Bible society, free education, and laws to protect children and reform prisons.
As a Member of Parliament, Wilberforce navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Along the way Wilberforce meets a beautiful and headstrong young woman who shares his passion for reform; who becomes his wife after a whirlwind courtship. They are joined by Equiano, who was born in Africa and sent as a slave to the Colonies. Equiano bought his freedom and made his home in London, where he wrote a best-selling account of his life and became a leading figure in the fight to end the slavery of his fellow countrymen.