How many colonies outlawed slavery in 1776?

In 1776, a few colonies took steps to outlaw slavery, but none had fully abolished it by that year. Vermont, which was not yet a state, declared itself free in its constitution in 1777, making it the first region to do so. However, the other colonies, particularly in the South, continued to uphold the institution of slavery. Overall, the movement towards abolition gained momentum after this period, but it was not widespread in 1776 itself.