Dr. Robert Hayling

Dr. Robert Hayling, a dentist by trade, became one of the most fearless leaders of the civil rights movement in St. Augustine, Florida, risking his career and his life in pursuit of justice. Born in Tallahassee, Hayling was an early advocate for desegregation in St. Augustine and joined the NAACP’s Youth Council, mentoring young activists in nonviolent resistance. His leadership in the 1960s civil rights protests put St. Augustine at the forefront of the national movement and attracted figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Florida’s oldest city. Despite violent opposition, Dr. Hayling continued to organize sit-ins and marches that ultimately led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Hayling’s dedication, often marked by personal sacrifice, remains a powerful chapter in Florida’s civil rights history, emblematic of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.