It is with heavy hearts and great sadness, that the Board of Directors of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and members across our global network, extend condolences to the family of Dr. William H. Hayling. A Bronze star recipient, Dr. Hayling served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. His excellence in medicine continued through an extensive career that included the delivery of over 8,000 babies, leading a successful private practice for 24 years and was Chief of Ambulatory Obstetrics and Gynecology at Martin Luther King, Jr., Hospital in Los Angeles for 18 years. During this time, he simultaneously served at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. While providing medical service to communities on both coasts of the U.S., Dr. Hayling gave even more of himself to the community as a leader of the 100.
In 1963, he and several other community leaders, including David Dinkins, who later became mayor of New York City, and baseball legend Jackie Robinson, formed One Hundred Black Men. A life that would be filled with many achievements and raising the bar for excellence, was evident from the time he entered Boston College at age 17. We are sure it came to no surprise to family members and colleagues alike when Hayling became a founding member of two more 100 chapters (100 Black Men of New Jersey, Inc. and 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, Inc.).
“My friend and mentor Bill Hayling was instrumental in the growth of our organization that literally became a movement. As he relocated, he ensured that the work of the 100 was rooted in his new community,” stated Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., Chairman, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. “Dr. Hayling was one of the influential forces that established 100 Black Men as a national and International organization. He was an obvious choice to be our first national President. It is difficult to adequately put into words the gratitude, respect and love we have for Hayling. His multi-faceted life of medical service, mentoring, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and community outreach is an example of true leadership,” stated Dortch.
Dr. Hayling’s long established and rich legacy with the organization is recognized each year as an award bearing his name is presented during the 100’s annual conference. It is a highly coveted honor and a highlight of the awards ceremony. Because his life was also dedicated to helping underserved communities, Dr. Hayling is greatly missed and being remembered by many across the country. Another giant has earned his rest and the men of the 100 salute you.
About 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William H. Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson. Since inception, the vision emerged and grew to over 10,000 members impacting over 125,000 underserved, underrepresented minority youth annually. Visit www.100blackmen.org for more information on the programs and initiatives of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and their global network of chapters.
