Soul values and American slavery

Abstract

This essay explores ‘soul values,’ which refers to how some enslaved people found ways to draw upon the strength of their souls to survive slavery. This kind of resistance manifested as a deep expression of their self-worth and can be found in testimonies of the enslaved, deep analyses of their actions, and careful examinations of their internal fortitude. Such spiritual resilience represents one response to enslavement on a much larger spectrum of reactions. Recognizing the power of enslaved people's spirits and souls provides another important way to explore the complex lives of the enslaved.