The College of Staten Island will be proudly hosting the Third International “Estevanico Symposium: Tracing the Footsteps of a Remarkable African Explorer,” an enlightening event, held on Friday, February 21, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the Center for the Arts. The program will spotlight one of history’s most extraordinary yet often overlooked figures—Estevanico, a pioneering African explorer who played a vital role in the early mapping of the Americas.
Born in Morocco, Estevanico (also known as Esteban the Moor or Mustapha Ezzemouri) was one of the first Africans to explore what is now the United States. Despite the hardships of enslavement, he became an invaluable navigator, linguist, and cultural bridge between Spanish explorers and indigenous peoples across the Southwest. His remarkable journey through Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico left an indelible mark on history.
Organized by College of Staten Island Professor of Biology Abdeslem El Idrissi, this event is a must-attend for history enthusiasts, students, and community members interested in Black history, African explorers, and the untold narratives that have shaped the world. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, cultural exhibitions, and live performances, the conference promises to unveil Estevanico’s significant contributions to exploration, examine his role in the ill-fated Narváez Expedition, highlight the historical intersection of slavery and discovery, and explore the ethical implications of Estevanico’s legacy.
The event will feature prominent historians, authors, and diplomats, including:
Dr. Abdeslem El Idrissi – Conference organizer and Neuroscience professor
H.E. Youssef Amrani – Moroccan diplomat and scholar
Dr. Hsain Ilahiane – Scholar on African explorers in the American Southwest
Dr. John T. Wing – Historian of Early Modern Spain and its empire
Dr. Sylviane Diouf – Award-winning historian of the African Diaspora and curator
Dr. Paul Schneider – Renowned author of Esteban the Moor: A Cultural Bridge in Indigenous North America
Dr. Chouaib Halifi – Moroccan author and university professor who focuses on history, travel literature, and fiction
Dr. Hsain Ilahiane – Scholar on African explorers in the American Southwest
Dr. Abdelkader Jamoussi – Moroccan diplomat and scholar
Alongside the lecture and discussion, attendees will also experience an exclusive art exhibition showcasing Moroccan American artistic expressions and a special performance by the legendary Hassan Hakmoun, a pioneer of Moroccan Gnawa music.
This event is co-organized by several esteemed institutions, including the The College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, The General Consulate of the Kingdom of Morocco, College of Staten Island Student Government, Royal Air Maroc, OCP Group, and Casablanca-Settat Region.
