Delaware Forbids Importing of Africans Delaware makes it illegal to enslave imported Africans. See the Source Pennsylvania Begins Gradual Emancipation Pennsylvania begins gradual emancipation. See the Source Massachusetts Includes Freedom Clause in Constitution A freedom clause in the Massachusetts constitution is interpreted as an abolishment of slavery. Massachusetts enfranchises all men regardless of race. See the Source An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery enabled a ruling on the management and treatment of Negroes and mulattoes in Pennsylvania. See the Source Pennsylvania General Assembly Passes Act The Pennsylvania General Assembly passes An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, one of the earliest laws enacted by an elected body to abolish slavery. See the Source Gradual Emancipation Act Gradual Emancipation Act passed in Pennsylvania to appease slave owners in the abolition of slavery. See the Source