Dr. Robert B. Hayling, a retired First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, former resident, local dentist, and leader of the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine was awarded one of the City’s highest honors: the de Aviles Award.
St. Augustine Mayor Joseph L. Boles, Jr., presented the prestigious honor to Dr. Hayling during the 5th Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon: the 47th Anniversary of the Signing of the Landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Additional presenters included City Commissioners Errol Jones, Bill Leary and Nancy Sikes-Kline.
Dr. Hayling was overjoyed. This was a very special occasion as his sister and brother-in-law, Garvey & Yvonne Clarke; two daughters, Crystal and Robin; son-in-laws, Christopher Misner and David Jordan; two grandsons, Roman and Avery Misner; and nieces, Melanie Hayling and Nickolette Owens all came to the luncheon to join in the celebration.
Crystal, her husband, and two sons came all the way from Singapore to attend the luncheon while his daughter Robin and her husband came from Mississippi. It was a glorious moment in time for Dr. Hayling who is now 81 years of age.
by Gwendolyn Duncan
Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by Shirley Williams-Galvin
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