New York Emancipation
New York passes a gradual emancipation law, prohibits the importation of slaves, and allows masters to manumit slaves without posting bonds.
Virginia Enacts "One Drop" Rule
Virginia deems any person with black blood to be a mulatto and declares that the use of the term Negro is understood to include mulattoes.
First Autobiography of Free Black Man
Publication in London of John Marrant’s book, A Narrative of the Lord’s Wonderful Dealings with John Marrant, a Black Man, the first autobiography of a free black.