Full Circle Everest, the first all-black Mount Everest expedition team, has reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain, and their excitement knows no bounds.
This is the first all-Black team to attempt and complete Mount Everest’s summit; which stands at more than 29,000 feet high.
Only about 4,000 people have ever climbed Mount Everest successfully. Only eight of those people were Black prior to this expedition. The Full Circle Everest Team; nearly doubles the total number of Black climbers who have summited this astronomical mountain.
Manoah Ainuu, Eddie Taylor, Rosemary Saal, Demond “Dom” Mullins, Thomas Moore, James “KG” Kagami, and Evan Green; are among the seven climbers.
“I am deeply honored to report that; seven members of the Full Circle Everest team reached the summit on May 12.” Full Circle Everest leader Philip Henderson said. “While a few members, including myself, did not summit; all members of the climb and Sherpa teams have safely returned to Base Camp; where we will celebrate this historic moment!”
Every year, hundreds of climbers flock to this route; but few Black climbers have made the journey. The treacherous climb; represented the barriers that Black communities face in accessing outdoor sports and spaces for these climbers.
According to UW News; the success rate of summiting Mount Everest has doubled in the last 30 years; despite an increase in climbers. Since 1990; the current death rate has been 1%.
This was a good sign for our climbers, but seeing them successfully reach the summit; was even better.
The mission of Full Circle was to; “represent a zenith in generational perseverance.” This expedition; will highlight the climbers’ tenacity and strength, as well as the barriers that continue to exist; for Black communities in accessing the outdoors. This historic attempt; will motivate the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Educators. Leaders, and mountaineers of color to pursue their personal goals.”
People from all over the world, cheered on the team as they tracked their journey on Flipgrid.
The team; was led by local Sherpa climbing guides, who have assisted hundreds of climbers on Everest. The Full Circle Everest team; stated that they would not have been able to complete this historic climb without their assistance.