A group of climbers became the first all-Black team to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 12th. The team, known as Full Circle Everest, consisted of eleven members: Phil Henderson, Manoah Ainuu, Eddie Taylor, Rosemary Saal, Demond Mullins, Evan Green, James Kagami, Thomas Moore, Adina Scott, Frederick Campbell, and Abby Dione. A majority of the members reached the summit, though Henderson, Dione, Scott, and Campbell reportedly did not.
“I am deeply honored to report that seven members of the Full Circle Everest team reached the summit on May 12. 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!” – Phil Henderson via North Face on Instagram
An Instagram post from Full Circle Everest specifically mentioned and thanked the Sherpa climbers who assisted in the attempt. Sherpa refers to an ethnic group originating out of Khumbu-valley. A majority of Everest climbers are assisted by Sherpa guides, and that includes Full Circle Everest. The individuals that assisted the Full Circle Everest expedition are as follows: Pasang Nima Sherpa, Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa, Phurtemba Sherpa, Dawa Chhiri Sherpa, Sonam Gaylje Sherpa, Nima Nuru Sherpa, Chopal Sherpa, chawang Lhendup Sherpa, Tasha Gyalje Sherpa, & Amrit Ale.
This definitely represents an incredible and heavily historic moment. Congrats to all of those involved, from the climbers to the planners. Also, shoutout to the VF Corporation and The North Face for sponsoring the effort. Everyone involved should be incredibly proud.
Image Credit: Full Circle Everest 2022 & The North Face on Instagram
