Positive Story: BHM100*: Celebrating U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Famer and Pioneer Mabel Fairbanks | A Sign of Progress

Positive Story: BHM100*: Celebrating U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Famer and Pioneer Mabel Fairbanks | A Sign of Progress

Why this story matters: This story offers a refreshing look at how practical solutions and human effort can create real, positive change. Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to competitions, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results. by Lori Lakin Hutcherson, GBN Founder and Editor-in-Chief Growing up in 1920s New York, Mabel Fairbanks dreamed of becoming a champion figure skater, but was denied entry to ice rinks due to segregation. She learned how to skate in part by eavesdropping on white skating instructors until her local rink manager finally admitted her. Unable to try out for the U.S. Skating Team because it wouldn’t accept Black skaters, Fairbanks showed off her skills by skating instead in entertaining ice shows such as the Ice Capades or Ice Follies . (image via Atoy Wilson and the Mabel Fairbanks estate) After her professional career on the ice ended, Fairbanks became a figure skating coach and worked with World Champion pairs team…