The African-American ice skater who broke racial barriers

A story about the legendary, but little-known African-American
ice skater Mabel Fairbanks is a natural debut for professional
skater turned author Rose Viña.


Her new picture book, Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed
Figure Skating, tells the story of the first African-American
woman inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Born in
1915, Fairbanks skated professionally despite racism that
prevented her from entering competitions. She went on to champion
diversity in ice skating, coaching the likes of Kristi Yamaguchi
and Scott Hamilton.


Learn more about Rose Viña, see a video of her skating, and more
on our episode page.