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Freedom is our goal
A look back at some of the achievements of this commemorative Wilberforce year
More than 15,000 Hull residents, plus 27,000 others up and down the country have signed the city's Fight for Freedom petition to end modern slavery.
In doing so, they have realised the sad truth that whilst celebrating 200 years since Wilberforce abolished the British slave trade, there are still more than 27 million people enslaved across the world.
And that includes in child labour, prostitution and forced marriage, often after being trafficked using coercion and violence from country to country.
A long line of celebrities have also given their support - from prime minister Gordon Brown to Hollywood film director Michael Apted, from indie rock band The Kooks, to celebrity hair stylist Mark Hill.
"It's hoped our petition, in partnership with Anti-Slavery International, will have a lasting and a positive life-changing affect on those enslaved," says Cllr Carl Minns, leader of Hull City Council.
"This year has not only been about enjoying ourselves and celebrating our heritage but about taking the opportunity to make a lasting impact on people's lives."
Looking back
Since January there have been a wide range of events including concerts, lectures, exhibitions, festivals and workshops – many of which have either celebrated the achievements of Wilberforce and/or highlighted the plight of slaves in today's modern world.
We've seen the release of the Hollywood blockbuster 'Amazing Grace' based on Wilberforce's life.
And there's also been the launch of The Wilberforce Heritage Trail which traces streets around Hull's Old Town which Wilberforce himself would still recognise today.
In July, thousands of people came to the Wilberforce Weekender, a two-day event which featured The Wilberforce Challenge Cup clipper yacht race, the Sankofa Sunsplash African and Afro-Caribbean festival, the Hull Jazz festival and many more arts events.
Wilberforce House
One of the year's most significant events was on March 25 - the day of the bicentenary itself - which was marked with the re-opening of Wilberforce House Museum following a £1.7 million re-development.
The new interactive museum, which was officially re-opened by the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Hon Mr Owen Arthur, offers visitors a diverse look at the topic of slavery and at the life of Wilberforce - and aims to make slavery and the abolition movement relevant today.
"We have had more than 41,000 visitors to the museum in the first six months since it re-opened, compared to 17,882 in 2005 - and that's proof of its success," says Jayne Tyler, lead officer for the Wilberforce House Museum re-development.
Communities take the lead
Many communities throughout the city organised their own events for the Wilberforce 2007 programme, with support from community managers Audrey Okyere-Fosu and Lou Duffy-Howard.
"We wanted to empower people to use the Wilberforce 2007 year as a chance for local people to come together," says Lou.
Leaving a legacy
Following the success and achievements of the Wilberforce year, it's now hoped that the work of Wilberforce and the campaign to end modern slavery will be remembered into the future.
One way in which Hull City Council is helping to leave that legacy is through its Museum Education team who have developed 14 new learning-based packages, which have brought more than 4,500 pupils into the museum with courses for autumn 2008 already being booked.
"The number of pupils we have had taking our courses has been phenomenal and it is especially encouraging when pupils from outside the city are taking part," says Jon Pywell, head of museum education.
Meanwhile, city leaders are proud that Hull has been firmly placed on the international stage.
"We have embraced our city's heritage and the work of William Wilberforce with a varied programme of commemorations and celebrations," says Cllr John Robinson, chair of the Wilberforce Partnership Committee.
"I hope the residents of Hull and all our visitors have enjoyed the year and continue to support the programme to the end of 2007."
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