HBCU Figure Skating: Breaking Ice Boundaries

On Saturday, Howard University etched its name in history books as the first-ever HBCU to field a figure skating team in an inter-collegiate competition. Competing in US Figure Skating’s Southeast divisional competition at the University of Delaware on Feb. 24 and 25, the Howard University Ice Skating Organization showcased their skills on the ice.

For Coach Jordan McCreary Graham, the journey to this moment has been marked by challenges. Reflecting on her own experience as a student at North Carolina Central University, she recalls being told, “Black people don’t skate.” This sentiment echoes the historical discrimination prevalent in the sport, dating back to the exclusion of Blacks from the first U.S. skating clubs in the mid-1800s.

Despite these obstacles, pioneers like Mabel Fairbanks paved the way for future generations. Fairbanks, one of the first prominent Black figure skaters, inspired a legacy of resilience. Tai Babilonia, a protege of Fairbanks, acknowledges her mentor's impact, stating, “Mabel is the woman who paved the way for skaters of all color.”

In the contemporary landscape, Maya James and Cheyenne Walker, both students at Howard University, embarked on a mission to establish a figure skating team at their alma mater. Founding the team, James and Walker now serve as president and vice-president, respectively. Their initiative symbolizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the sport.

Despite challenges and limited access to consistent ice time, the Howard University team approaches competition with determination and optimism. For James and Walker, participation in the collegiate figure skating space signifies a milestone in their journey. As Coach McCreary Graham notes, this historic moment at Howard University may spark a trend among other HBCUs, paving the way for future generations of figure skaters.