Dr. Robert B. Hayling who was a dentist born in Tallahassee was also known as a civil rights leader in the majority of St. Augustine died last Sunday at his home in Fort Lauderdale. Aged 86, Robert was a real country man and there weren’t many people who didn’t love him.
Robert B. Hayling dies:
Robert B. Hayling led a life of dignity and service throughout. He was initially the head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference that was initiated by the great Martin Luther King Jr. The conference used to take place within the city and is said to have a pivotal rule in Lyndon Johnson’s steps towards passing the Civil Rights act in 1964. This is not the only reason for his increased recognition amongst the African Americans; he was also the first African American dentist to have been elected in state, national and local components of the ADA in Florida.
During 1963, Robert asked the contemporary president Johnson to not go to the 400th commemoration conference of the anniversary of St. Augustine just because the separated celebrations were just white.
Throughout his life, Robert left no stone unturned in his efforts of uplifting of the African American community. His death marks a tragic end to the insightful and experienced inputs that he usually made. Hayling also played a pivotal rule in the creation of “Civil Rights in the Sunshine” state exhibit that took place in the Museum of Florida in 2014. There have been nothing but good words said by many different dignified figures of the community and everybody has lauded him for his services and expressed great grief on his departure. The people of St. Augustine consider him as a local legend. Here’s hoping that he finds the same sanctitude after his death that he found during his life. Amen.
