[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 9000]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              WILBERFORCE

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, throughout this year we will celebrate the 
work to end one of humanity's worst acts of injustice. It was 200 years 
ago that William Wilberforce and his friends finally saw success in 
their attempt to end the British slave trade after 20 years of failed 
attempts.
  To mark the anniversary of this tremendous accomplishment, a number 
of efforts are under way to inform people about this often forgotten 
hero of humanity. A wonderful movie about the life of Wilberforce 
entitled ``Amazing Grace'' has been released in theaters. Another 
documentary on his life and efforts, entitled ``The Better Hour,'' is 
expected to air on public television this fall.
  I have introduced a resolution in this body honoring his life and 
accomplishments. Yesterday, a contest was announced for high school 
students challenging them to follow Wilberforce's example by pursuing 
efforts to end modern-day slavery trafficking in men, women and 
children, which still plagues the world.
  All of these events remind us that individuals of character and 
integrity really can change the world by fighting to end injustice and 
exploitation. That truth inspired Wilberforce in his day, and it should 
continue to inspire us today.

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