Mabel Fairbanks was a talented skater, but racial segregation denied her the opportunity to explore this passion. Nonetheless, she played her part as a skater and coach and paved the way for other African-American skaters. Her determination to keep going, even in the face of exclusion, was exemplary. She was recognized by a Hall of Fame induction. Learn more about her here.
People Also Read: 8 Remarkable Black Albums to Watch in 2023
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Get a pair of skates on Amazon.
Mabel Fairbanks’ Early Life
Fairbanks had a difficult childhood. She lost her mother at the age of eight and moved in with a teacher whom she revealed treated her like a housemaid. Due to that, she went to New York to stay with her brother.
She worked for him and his wife at a market but was dismissed after she sold excess goods to a customer. She then landed a babysitting job after a wealthy woman spotted her on a park bench.
People Also Read: NFL Black Owners: A Close Look at the League’s Ownership
Get a skateboard on Amazon.
Skating Career
The skater first saw people skating in Central Park while living with her employer. She was intrigued and bought herself a pair of skates. Fairbanks didn’t have anyone to help her learn and thus eavesdropped on lessons given to white skaters.
She practised her skills at the rink and was the only black skater, not because black people were banned from using it, but because they just didn’t. Coach Maribel Vinson Owen noticed her talent and helped refine her skills.
Mabel Fairbanks wasn’t allowed to compete in national and international competitions because of her race, so she was limited to nightclubs and stage shows. She performed in New York, after which she moved to Los Angeles. There, she joined Ice Capades and Ice Follies and was able to travel internationally.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
Coaching Career
Mabel Fairbanks achieved some level of success, considering the era she lived. Afterwards, she began training other black skaters:
- Leslie Robinson
- Tiffany Chin
- Billy Chapel
- Scott Hamilton
- Kristi Yamaguchi / Rudy Galindo
- Tai Babilonia / Randy Gardner
One of her students, Atoy Wilson and Tai Babilonia, is working to get Mable Fairbanks recognized. By the time she gave the Los Angeles Times this interview, she was working on a serialized television biography. Both hope her work will be housed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
“She fought for us and broke down the barriers so we’re now fighting for her,” said Bailonia.
People Also Read: African Sport: 6 Global Sports Events Hosted in South Africa
Get a music sound foam on Amazon.
Mabel Fairbank’s Impact
Some of the skaters Fairbanks helped achieved more than she did in getting into local clubs and competing in international competitions.
For example, Wilson joined the L. A Figure Skating Club. Another student of hers, Richard Ewell, joined the All-Year Figure Skating Club. He was also the first black skater to win the 1970 Junior Men’s Championship.
Babilonia’s figure skating career also benefited from Fairbanks. She paired her with Randy Gardener, with whom he won five American titles. Babi admits that when she was paired with Randy, she didn’t know what pair skating was. Also, she never understood the reason behind the pairing with Randy but went along. Babi is thankful that it all worked out but credits Fairbank’s judgement.
Mabel Fairbank was inducted into the US Skating Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Hall of Fame. Her legacy continues and those who knew her are making sure that the generations to come will hear and know her name.
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
