Movie traces roots
of British abolitionist

Byline

WILBERFORCE, Ohio — A film about a member of parliament and abolitionist who helped end the slave trade in the British empire 200 years ago had its U.S. premiere at the southwest Ohio university named in his honor.

“Amazing Grace,” which chronicles the work of William Wilberforce, was shown at Wilberforce University last Friday, a week ahead of its release in U.S. theaters tomorrow.

|Wilberforce led a 20-year campaign in the British parliament that resulted in the abolition of the slave trade in the British empire in 1807.

Founded in 1856 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church for educating the children of slaves, the school is the oldest private historically black university in the U.S.

Because of its history, the university was invited to partner with the movie’s producers, school spokeswoman Robin Thomas said.

“We believe it’s important for people to understand the legacy of Wilberforce and his impact on the U.S.,” she said. “His work inspired the abolitionist movements here, yet he is little-known in the States.”

British director Michael Apted’s film also depicts the relationship of Wilberforce, played by Ioan Gruffudd, with his mentor John Newton (Albert Finney), a British slave trader-turned-evangelical minister who wrote the lyrics to the hymn “Amazing Grace.”

The film stars Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell, Romola Garai, Ciaran Hinds and the Grammy-winning Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour in his film debut.

The university’s choir, which is featured on the film’s soundtrack, performed last Friday before the movie.

(Associated Press)