Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita DeFrantz.
Hi Anita, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Although I was born in Philadelphia, I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am a member of the 4th generation of civil rights advocates, so I knew there would be some of that in my future. After graduating from Connecticut College, I completed my formal education at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. While attending law school, I trained for rowing at Vesper Boat Club. I became a member of the 1976 Olympic Eight oared shell which won a Bronze medal. My work as an attorney involved Children’s rights, and I moved from there to enterprise development to help people who wanted to use their government social funding to open small businesses.
My biggest change came in 1980 when I again trained for and was successful in becoming a member of the 1980 US Olympic Team. Sadly, the Carter administration decided to use the Team as a tool against the Soviet Union by denying our right to compete at the Olympic Games in Moscow. I challenged this as long as I could because we were independent citizens who had to finance our own training and development. We did not receive any funding from government entities, including none from the federal government.
When I was offered a job with the Los Angeles Olympic Committee, I moved in 1981. I operated the Olympic Village at USC. After the Games, I began my 30-year stint at the LA84 Foundation with 28 years as the president. Since then, I have been working to solve the trafficking problem which has too many people essentially enslaved.
In 1986, I was elected to membership in the International Olympic Committee, where I will continue to serve until 2032. This is a volunteer position although we are supported in our work through the IOC. I also served as vice president of FISA, the International Rowing Federation, for 20 years. I am happy that we now have an equal number of boats for women and men as well as having Para rowers race the same distance as every other international and national rower.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While going to law school and training to become an Olympian was extremely difficult, 1980 was a different type of challenge. I knew that keeping our team home would not change anything. I even asked the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff if one life would be saved if our team stayed home. His answer was no. Ultimately, I sued for the right to compete. The ACLU and Covington & Burling as well as a local Princeton attorney represented us. Alas, we were not successful before the courts.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At the Law Offices of Anita L. DeFrantz, we specialize in a range of legal services, with a particular emphasis on civil rights and social enterprise development. Our mission is to provide legal representation and advice that not only addresses immediate legal needs but also contributes to the broader goal of social justice and community empowerment.
What sets our practice apart is the combination of legal expertise with a deep commitment to civil rights and social change. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for advocacy and a desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. This ethos is at the core of our work at the Law Offices of Anita L. DeFrantz. We take pride in our ability to navigate complex legal environments while maintaining a focus on the human element of each case.
Our firm is known for its unique approach to legal practice. We don’t just see ourselves as attorneys but as advocates for change. This perspective is particularly evident in our work with individuals looking to use government social funding to establish small businesses. By aiding clients in these endeavors, we contribute to community development and economic empowerment, which are key pillars of sustainable social progress.
I am most proud of our brand’s commitment to empowering the underrepresented and underserved. The Law Offices of Anita L. DeFrantz is more than just a legal practice; it’s a vehicle for positive change. Our clients can expect not only top-tier legal services but also a partner committed to their broader success and well-being.
To our readers, I want you to know that at the Law Offices of Anita L. DeFrantz, you will find a team that is deeply invested in your cause. Whether you are seeking legal advice for a new business venture, need representation in a civil rights matter, or require guidance on any other legal issue, our doors are open. We are here to provide you with the legal expertise you need and the supportive partnership you deserve.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Family first: my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents played a significant role in my life. And of course, my parents, who always supported me and helped me learn how to navigate this world in which people may not want to accept me. At Connecticut College, my undergraduate alma mater, the Dean of the College, Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb, challenged me to take on tasks. I spoke to her about a student bill of rights, and she encouraged me to create it. That Student Bill of Rights is still used at Conn. I was able to reconnect with Dr. Cobb as we both moved to the West Coast. She had become president of California State College at Fullerton, and I worked for the 1984 Organizing Committee.
My Great Grandmother had a significant role in my life. She told me I could be anything I wanted to be. And I wanted to have the courage and determination of my shero, Harriet Tubman. I trust I am on that path.
I have the best group of friends in the world. I recently had gastric cancer, and they were there for me. I call them my Benevolent Syndicate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anitadefrantz.com/blog
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anitadefrantz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anitadefrantz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anitadefrantz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnitaDeFrantzOFFICIAL
Image Credits
All images are from Anita DeFrantz’s personal collection
