Senator William Nelson Martin was born in Eden, NC, in 1945.  After graduating from Douglas High School, Bill continued his education and graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.  Bill received his Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University School of Law.   He was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar and the North Carolina Bar in 1973.

After returning to North Carolina, Bill was elected to the North Carolina Senate in 1982 and was successively re-elected 10 times for each two-year term.  During his time in the Senate, Bill became passionate about several areas including human services, health care and juvenile justice, but remained the most focused on educational equity.  Bill had a heartfelt focus on children considered to be “at risk” in the education system.

During Bill’s time in office, he chaired various committees and commissions including the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Study Commission for Improving Academic Achievement for Minority and At-Risk Students, Higher Education and the Joint Legislative Public Assistance Commission.  Bill also served as a member of Governor Easley’s Education First Task Force and as a board member of the Public School Forum of North Carolina.

Welfare reform was a passion of Bill’s as well.  His goals were to prepare and to put people to work while providing support services along the way.  With this passion, Bill became a member of Governor Hunt’s Task Force on Welfare.

As co-founder of One Step Further, Inc., Bill helped provide assistance and guidance for youth in the juvenile justice program in Guilford County.  This nonprofit organization provides youth with mediation and opportunities to learn life skills and conflict resolution skills.  Bill also served as co-founder and board member of the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Historical Foundation to recognize contributions made in the field of education in the early 1900s.

Senator William N. Martin lived his life to serve children in hopes that they would be given a chance to reach their goals.  His passion for educational equity has permanently changed the school system of North Carolina.  Bill’s passing on April 6, 2007, was a great loss of a tireless advocate with a passion for helping those in need.  Action for Children is honored to recognize his life and service.  This endowment will allow for our organization to continue to be “the voice for North Carolina’s children.”