Arts
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.