Pedro Alonso Niño: African-descended Navigator on Columbus-Era Voyages

Pedro Alonso Niño, believed by many historians to have been of African descent, served as the pilot of the Niña on Columbus's first voyage and later led his own expedition to the coast of South America in 1499, returning with a cargo of pearls. He is considered one of the earliest navigators of African descent to participate in transatlantic exploration. His skill as a navigator was recognized by the Spanish Crown.