SoulAAn: Soul Autochthonous Amorocco

The ethnonym “Soulaan,” coined by its creators T-Roy, Maroc, and Dwayne Coleman (Midnight), stands as a powerful expression of identity for a distinct group within the Black American community and we dont need Wikipedia to define that. Soulaan was created by them as more than a simple ethnic designation, Soulaan/Soulaani/Soulani is a declaration of the unique cultural, historical, and ancestral roots of Black Americans who descend from the survivors of chattel enslavement in the United States. This term speaks to the indigenous Black population of North America and places emphasis on their complex history, distinct from the narratives often used to define Blackness solely in terms of African ancestry. The roots of the word “Soulaan” are significant, symbolizing the deeply ingrained cultural association with “soul,” which has long been central to the identity of Black Americans. The inclusion of the double “a” in Soulaan refers specifically to “Autochthonous Amorocco,” a term that highlights the autochthon origin of this group on the North American continent.

Autochthonous Amarrocans/Americans: A Recognition of Pre-Colombian Existence

The term “Autochthonous,” meaning “native” or “indigenous” to a particular place, underscores the recognition of Black Americans as a people who are native to the land of North America through their deep historical presence and unique ethnogenesis. This term differentiates their lineage from more recent Black immigrants and emphasizes that Black Americans specifically those descended from enslavement are not merely the descendants of displaced Africans but a distinct group whose heritage is intertwined with the early peoples of the continent.

 

 

Census records from the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as those shown in the provided documents, reveal the fluidity and inconsistency in racial labeling. Individuals like Charles, who was labeled “Mulatto” despite both his parents and siblings being categorized as “Black,” highlight the challenges of racial classification systems. The removal of “Mulatto” as a term in 1930 did not erase the historical and lived realities of these individuals; instead, it contributed to the broader reclassification of Black Americans, further obscuring the presence of Black-Native ancestry in official narratives. This revision of racial terms reflects ongoing tensions about race, identity, and indigeneity in the U.S., and has left a lasting impact on how Black Americans, especially those with Native ancestry, are perceived and understood.

 

Soulaan as an Ethnic Designation, Not a Nationality

 

Crucially, Soulaan is defined as an ethnic designation rather than a nationality. It is not meant to be a blanket term for all Black people, nor does it apply to Black immigrants to the United States.

In contrast to terms like “African American,” which implicitly ties Black Americans solely to Africa, Soulaan asserts a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of identity. It is a recognition that Black Americans are the product of centuries of history, survival, resistance, and cultural blending on North American soil. As a result, the term highlights the cultural and historical specificity of Black Americans who are descended from those enslaved within the United States, distinguishing them from Black individuals in other parts of the diaspora who may have different histories of migration and settlement.

 

Conclusion: Soulaan and the Legacy of Black Americans

 

The creation of the term “Soulaan” reflects a deep desire to reclaim and redefine the identity of Black Americans in a way that is true to their unique history and experiences. By embracing the concept of Autochthonous Amorocco, Soulaan recognizes the native Black population of North America as a distinct people.

In using the term Soulaan, the descendants of Black Americans from chattel enslavement are reclaiming their identity on their own terms honoring the generations who endured the brutality of enslavement, the resistance to dehumanization, and the cultural creativity that has defined Black American life for centuries. Soulaan is not merely a designation; it is a declaration of the soul of a people whose story is deeply tied to the land and history of North America.