Honoring a Legacy of Service: Children's Law Center Names Director Role in Tribute to Judge William Graham, Jr.

Pictured (left): Paige Gilliard, Ashton Graham, Cinny Strickland Graham, Iris Sunshine

Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC) is proud to announce the naming of a key leadership position in honor of a man whose commitment to justice and children has left a lasting impact: the late Judge William Thomas Graham, Jr.

In recognition of Judge Graham’s decades of partnership with CLC’s Custody Advocacy Program, both during his time on the bench and through his ongoing support, we are honored to share that the Director’s position of the Custody Advocacy Program will now bear his name. Going forward, the role will be known as the William Graham, Jr. Director, Custody Advocacy Program.

Judge Graham served as a Forsyth County District Court Judge for over 20 years from 1996 to 2016. As CLC’s Executive Director Iris Sunshine reflected during a recent celebration of the announcement, “Judge Graham recognized the necessity for an impartial advocate for the best interests of children in the domestic violence and high-conflict custody cases which came before him. He valued and trusted Children’s Law Center’s unbiased, independent, and thorough work”.

This announcement was made at a special gathering of community leaders, partners, and supporters. The evening featured remarks from Iris Sunshine; Paige Gilliard, the first William Graham, Jr. Director, Custody Advocacy program; and Cinny Graham, our Guest of Honor, Judge Graham’s wife, and a long-time supporter of CLC’s mission. We were also excited to have Ashton Graham, Judge Graham’s sister, in attendance, who was in from out of town.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Graham was fondly remembered for his warmth, curiosity, and deep love for Cinny. Iris shared how he often spoke of their travels together and his genuine interest in others' lives, a reflection of his kind spirit and personal integrity. As Cinny Graham shared, “William saw first-hand the impact of CLC’s work, and was certain that with their diligence and partnership, he would be able to uphold what was in the best interests of children facing really challenging circumstances. He had a great respect for what they do, as well as the people involved, and trusted their guidance.”

Children’s Law Center was founded in 2005 in Forsyth County and expanded to Guilford County in 2014. In 2023, CLC launched its Education Advocacy Program (EAP), which serves children with disabilities in need of educational support as well as those facing exclusionary discipline. From 2023 to 2024, CLC saw a 50% increase in demand for custody advocacy services — underscoring the growing need for child-focused legal advocacy.

CLC recently announced a transformational gift from the Strickland Graham Foundation, made in memory of Judge Graham. This is the largest and most impactful donation in Children’s Law Center’s 20-year history. The gift will allow CLC to greatly expand its reach, strengthen its services, and advocate for the rights of even more children in need across the region. This historic gift will allow CLC to expand community outreach, invest in innovative solutions, and continue to address the systemic barriers children face in the legal system.

“William and Cinny Graham have set an example for all of us,” said Sunshine. “Their generosity will help ensure our services continue to champion the children of this community for years to come.”

To honor the legacy of Judge and Mrs. Graham and support our mission to give every child a voice, please consider making a donation at www.ChildLawNC.org/donate or contact Ben Loebner at bloebner@childlawnc.org.