Juan Garrido's role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico suggests that:

Juan Garrido's role in the Spanish conquest of Mexico highlights the diversity of contributions made by individuals of African descent during early American exploration and conquest. Rather than being restricted to the role of slaves or limited to specific occupations, people of African descent, such as Garrido, operated in various capacities, including as explorers, soldiers, and laborers.

Garrido, in particular, is noted for being one of the first Africans to reach the New World. He actively participated in the conquest alongside Hernán Cortés, showcasing his significant involvement in military campaigns and the broader narrative of exploration. This participation illustrates that people of African descent had agency and played integral roles in shaping the historical context of the Americas, contradicting any oversimplified perceptions of their involvement during this period.

This understanding is essential, as it acknowledges the contribution of African-descended individuals to the early histories of exploration and conquest, thus enriching the narrative of this historical era.