The first expedition of black climbers attempting to scale Mount Everest made history this week when the group successfully climbed the world’s highest peak.
Seven members of the Full Circle Everest expedition, including Coloradoans Eddie Taylor and Thomas Moore, achieved the epic feat on Thursday, according to a statement released Friday. Team members Manoa Ainu, Rosemary Sal, Daymond “Dom” Mullins, James “KG” Kagami and Evan Green also made it to the summit.
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“I am extremely honored to report that seven members of the Full Circle Everest team reached the summit on 12 May,” Philip Henderson, leader of Full Circle Everest, said in a statement. “While some members, including me, did not make the summit, all members of the climbing and Sherpa teams have returned safely to base camp where we will celebrate this historic moment!”
Full Circle Everest arrived at Everest Base Camp in Nepal in late April on a mission to inspire not only the legendary mountain climber but also other outdoor enthusiasts of color. According to the team’s GoFundMe page, only 10 black climbers had reached the summit before.
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The expedition was supported by 12 Sherpa guides including Pasang Neema Sherpa, Lakhpa Sonam Sherpa, Furtemba Sherpa, Dawa Chhiri Sherpa, Sonam Gelje Sherpa, Neema Nuru Sherpa, Chaupal Sherpa, Chawang Lhendup Sherpa, Tasha Gyalje Sherpa, Amrit Ale, Pemba Sherpa . and Nawang Tenji Sherpa.
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