Kathmandu, March 15

A team of black Americans will be arriving here early next month in a bid to scale the world highest peak in the spring season, according to the expedition organiser.

The Full Circle Everest team led by Philip Henderson from California will make history as the first all-black team to attempt to summit the highest mountain on earth, Jiban Ghimire, Managing Director at Shangri-La Nepal Treks said. 'We feel very proud of handling such a historic expedition on Mt Everest this season,' he shared.

According to him, SNT is doing its bit to make the expedition a grand success. 'Preparations are in full swing to dispatch expedition logistics to Khumbu region,' he said, adding that the company will deploy trained as well as experienced climbing guides and other expedition support staff to facilitate the Full Circle expedition.

The expedition team comprises Manoah Ainuu, Frederick Campbell, Abby Dione, Eddie Taylor, Saal, James Kagambi, Desmond Mullins, and Thomas Moore among others.

'This expedition will showcase the tenacity and strength of these climbers, and highlight the barriers that continue to exist for Black communities in accessing the outdoors,' a statement issued by the Full Circle said, adding: 'This historic attempt will inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, educators, leaders, and mountaineers of color to continue chasing their personal summits. '

According to the Full Circle, the first American expedition reached the summit of Everest in 1963. 'That same year Martin Luther King delivered his historic 'I Have A Dream' speech. It took 40 more years for the first Black climber to summit Everest. Still, there has never been an all-Black team to summit the tallest mountain on Earth.'