Children of The Sun

Estebanico, an enslaved man of northern Africa, became the first African to explore North America. His odyssey began with the disastrous 1528 Pánfilo de Narváez expedition to Florida. *** Following starvation and shipwrecks, he was one of only four survivors of 600 settlers. For eight years, Estebanico navigated the wilderness alongside Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. *** He adapted brilliantly by learning multiple Indigenous languages and assuming the role of a respected medicine man, eventually reaching safety in Mexico City in 1536. *** Recognizing his invaluable scouting skills, Viceroy Mendoza purchased Estebanico. He was assigned to guide Frey Marcos de Niza’s 1539 expedition to locate the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. *** Sent ahead as an advance scout, Estebanico boldly crossed present-day Arizona and into New Mexico, tracking tales of the wealthy region of Cíbola. In May 1539, Estebanico arrived at the Zuni pueblo of Hawikuh. Frey Marcos de Niza reported Estebán dead based on translator reports.