William Wells Brown was an African American author, playwright, and abolitionist born in 1814. He escaped from slavery and became a prominent figure in the fight against slavery in the United States. Brown is best known for his works that highlight the struggles of African Americans, including his novel, Clotel, which is considered the first novel published by an African American. In addition to his literary contributions, Brown was an active speaker and advocate for civil rights. He traveled extensively, giving lectures on the injustices of slavery and promoting the cause of abolition. His efforts helped raise awareness and support for the anti-slavery movement in the 19th century.