First expedition of Black climbers to summit Mount Everest is officially underway

A team of mountaineers, including several Colorado-based athletes, is on the precipice of making history as the first expedition of Black climbers to attempt to summit Mount Everest.

The team, known as Full Circle Everest, embarked on its journey in early April and made it to the Everest base camp in Nepal in late April. According to social media posts, the group has been “striking a balance between movement and rest in the name of acclimatization.” That includes doing some ice climbing and hiking, as well as resting as the athletes adjust to the altitude.

At more than 29,000 feet, Mount Everest is the tallest peak on the planet, and Full Circle Everest’s attempt will stand tall in history. According to the team’s GoFundMe page, just 10 Black climbers have ever summited the mountain. Their goal is not only to achieve this remarkable feat, but also to inspire other outdoors enthusiasts of color.

“There is a lack of representation of Black people in mountaineering and in high-altitude mountaineering,” expedition leader Philip Henderson told NPR. “There’s so few of us at this level that it’s our duty, in a sense, to bring this to our communities, to our young people, and talk about the benefits of being outdoors and connecting with nature and having a healthy lifestyle throughout their lives.”

In an email to The Denver Post, Henderson said WiFi on the world’s most legendary mountain “is spotty at best.” However, team members have been posting regular updates and jaw-dropping photos on social media.

Here are the best platforms where you can follow the Full Circle Everest team’s journey.