Mabel Fairbanks - An African American That Changed Figure Skating

In the 1960s, when Martin Luther King Jr. led the Civil Rights Movement, Mabel Fairbanks, an African American figure skater and coach, fought for the rights of African American figure skaters.

I am fortunate because I knew Mabel. I skated at the rink where she coached. I remember her friendly nature, her energy, and her smile. I saw her develop some great skaters from all backgrounds. I was there when she matched up the famous pair team of Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner. I saw the magic she brought to the performances of some great African American skaters such as Richard Ewell and Michelle McCladdie, Leslie Robinson, and Atoy Wilson.

_{Mabel Fairbanks - Photo Courtesy Harlick Skating Boots}