"I got soul (you got it) that's why I came To teach those who can't say my name"
- Rakim
Although it is not used much nowadays, chances are if you grew up in the ’80s or before, you’ve heard of the term “soul people”. The term “soul people” has been commonly used to described Melanized people (particularly in the United States). It was first made popular in the 1960’s. The word “soul” was made synonymous with “rhythm” and “flavor” (as in the terms “soul music” and “soul food”). However, very few people have attempted to analyze why that word is used to describe things related to Melanized people.
First, it is important to define exactly what is soul. Although the words “soul” and “spirit” are often used interchangeably, they are actually two different things (for an explanation of what spirit is, please refer to my article entitled What Is Human Spirit?) Soul can be classified as one’s emotional body. In psychology and philosophy, emotion is a subjective, conscious experience described by psycho-physiological expressions, physical reactions, and states of mind. Emotion is usually connected with mood, temperament, personality, disposition, and motivation. To put it simply, emotion is energy in motion (E=motion, E=mc2). It is through the soul that one has compassion for all other life. That definition explains a lot as to why we are called “soul people”. Asiatics, of Moorish descent, have always been known to be compassionate people. Even when the Moors ruled Europe for over 800 years, they did not suppress the cultures of the people they conquered. In fact, the Moors enhanced the civilization of Europe overall.
Another aspect of the word “soul” is that it phonetically relates to the Latin word “sol”, which is translated to mean “sun”. It is interesting to note that many Latin words, which were adopted into English, had the letter “u” added on by the British (such as the words “colour”, “humour” and “splendour”). Sol, is widely known but is uncommon in basic English language use, except in the adjective solar. You will find the word “solar” in the term solar plexus. Metaphysically, the solar plexus is connected to the Solar Plexus Chakra. The Solar Plexus Chakra guides you through life by creating a strong sense of self, which is your Higher Self (refer to article entitled Know Thyself). It is also considered to be the center of our emotions (as in the emotional body called “soul”). Topaz happens to be a gemstone that is used to heal the Solar Plexus Chakra. Topaz was also commonly used in Ancient Kemet (Egypt) since it was associated with the Sun Deity Ra. In fact, the word topaz is related to the Sanskrit word तपस् “tapas” meaning “heat” (as in the heat from the sun).
In addition to the aspect of the word “soul” relating to the words sol and solar plexus, the people with an abundance of melanin, known as “soul people”, have the unique ability to absorb the most amount of energy from the sun. Melanin can regulate a large range of molecular interactions and metabolic processes. Melanin is produced by the pineal gland, which plays a key role in the regulation of biorhythms. This further explains why the word “soul” is sometimes associated with rhythm.
We, as “soul people” are indeed people of the Sun (Sol). We have been called negro, black, colored, etc. (all of the titles that delude to slavery). As the original people on this earth, we were made in the image and after the likeness of our Creator. We became living souls. However, man himself is not the body nor the soul. It is even reported that Jesus stated that a man could gain the world and lose his soul. As it states in the Holy Koran of the Moorish Science Temple of America, chapter III, verse 6:
“The higher self is human spirit clothed with soul, made in the form of Allah.”
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