Dr. Robert B. Hayling’s life was a powerful testament to leadership, resilience, and advocacy. Born on November 20, 1929, in Tallahassee, Florida, Dr. Hayling earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1960 from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.
After graduating, he established his dental practice in St. Augustine, becoming the first Black dentist in Florida to be elected to the local, regional, state, and national levels of the American Dental Association.
Beyond his contributions to dentistry, Dr. Hayling was a courageous advocate for civil rights. Serving as the head of the St. Augustine Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and an adult advisor to the Youth Council of the NAACP, he played a pivotal role in challenging segregation and racial injustice.
His leadership and commitment were instrumental in advancing civil rights in St. Augustine and beyond, helping to orchestrate protests, sit-ins, and demonstrations during the turbulent 1960s, ultimately drawing national attention to the struggles for racial equality in the South.
Dr. Hayling’s advocacy extended beyond his community in St. Augustine. He was instrumental in pushing for greater integration and justice, working alongside other civil rights leaders to break down the barriers of segregation. His activism, courage, and unwavering belief in equality made him a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
The St. Augustine protests, under his leadership, were among the most significant in the fight against racial injustice, making a lasting impact on the region’s social and political landscape.
His work in dentistry and civil rights earned him numerous accolades. The city of St. Augustine honored him by renaming his former street to Dr. Robert B. Hayling Place, a gesture that symbolizes the deep respect he earned for his contributions.
Additionally, Dr. Hayling was the recipient of the Florida A&M University Distinguished Alumni Award and the Nathan W. Collier Meritorious Service Award from Florida Memorial University. The Dr. Robert B. Hayling Award of Valor was established in his honor, recognizing individuals who have shown exceptional courage and service in their communities.
Dr. Hayling’s legacy exemplifies the power of combining professional excellence with advocacy for justice.
His life serves as a reminder of the transformative power of leadership, perseverance, and service to others. He was a pioneering figure in both dentistry and the Civil Rights Movement, and his work continues to inspire those who strive for equality, justice, and a better tomorrow.
