William Wells Brown – Clay – just over life size

Abolitionism and the Underground Railroad in 19th century America – the very thought stirs passionate feelings of empathy for and admiration of the courageous individuals who led the liberation efforts of early African Americans from the evils of slavery. William Wells Brown (c. 1814 – 1884), himself a twice-escaped former slave, was particularly bold and noteworthy among these pioneers of freedom. He is known as the first black playwright and novelist, and author of the novel Clotel. Even more significantly, while a resident of Buffalo, NY, and at great risk to his own person, he’s recorded to have helped as many as 69 escaped slaves to safety in Canada. In addition to his literary accomplishments, William Wells Brown became a famous lecturer on anti-slavery in the United States and Europe.