The black explorers were also a very unique bunch. My personal favourite is James Pearson Beckwourth, for which the Beckwourth Pass (California Route 70/former US 40A) is named: http://www.floodgap.com/roadgap/395/u13/
It's hard to convey that emotion and you're likely to get misunderstood anyway.
So I don't try and sugarcoat it or elaborate on it at all.