First ever all-black team Summits Everest

Former outdoor instructor and expedition leader Henderson did not attempt the summit, but guided the team to Basecamp and directed the push to the top from there. With almost 30 years experience in the outdoors, multiple expeditions including Denali, Kilimanjaro and a previous Everest attempt under his belt, Henderson assembled a strong team of climbers with high chances of a successful ascent, having been involved with the expedition since its formative stages. In a post on the Full Circle Instagram page, he said:

‘I am deeply honoured 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 Basecamp where we will celebrate this historic moment!’

The initially crowdfunded, grassroots project was shelved back in 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic’s implications on travel and Everest being closed for climbing from both the China-controlled and Nepalese sides of the mountain. But as borders began to re-open and the team put their plans into action, the expedition quickly attracted a number of high-profile sponsors and by November 2021 the team were able to place a deposit on the expedition and in January this year, touched down in Kathmandu on a training trip, commencing preparation for the ascent.