KATHMANDU, April 7: An all-black expedition team (Full Circle Everest Expedition) is set to make history by reaching the summit of Mt Sagarmatha, 8848.86 meters this spring climbing season. As many as 6,014 people have reached the top of the world by 2021. Fewer than a dozen of them are from the black community and not a single all-black team so far.
The historic ascent is being led by Philip Henderson who will be accompanied by Manoah Ainuu, Rosemary Saal, Eddie Taylor, Adina Scott, Evan Green, Abby Dione, Thomas Moore, Fred Campbell, Demond Mullins, James Kagambi, and 25 Sherpas.
All-black expedition team makes a historic summit at Mt Sagarma...
The team is also focused on spreading awareness about the need for diversity and inclusion in outdoor sports and beyond, while also inspiring the next generation of people of color and marginalized communities to keep pursuing their personal summits.
Speaking at a panel discussion on ‘diversity in the outdoors’ held at Kathmandu on Wednesday, Henderson shared that over the course of his 12 visits to Nepal so far, he has not seen many people of color in person to the country. “We are here to build communities and represent people of color in outdoor opportunities,” he added.
In the course of discussion, Eddie Taylor, another member of the expedition team shared that the historical ascent will also help establish a heritage for the next generation of people of color in the field of mountaineering among other outdoor sports.
The Full Circle Everest Expedition team will leave for the Everest region today. The journey to scale the top of the world with an all-black team that started a few years ago with an idea and empty pockets has now left the port on full steam. “If the mountain allows, we will reach the summit of Mt Sagarmatha by mid of May,” Henderson shared.
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