From Vicky Waltz of Bu.edu:
"William H. Hayling, a renowned African-American obstetrician and founder of 100 Black Men of America, was only 14 when his father died of pneumonia. Such a profound loss would send many adolescents into a self-destructive spiral of grief and anger, but Hayling was more fortunate than most. “I had a very supportive mother and several family friends,” the 82-year-old physician told the audience at Boston University’s Commencement day Baccalaureate Service Sunday at Marsh Chapel. “They became my mentors.”
Hayling, who attributes his success to these early role models, urged the crowd to “help another human being who needs some guidance,” by becoming a mentor. “Remember,” he said, “the greatness of an institution is judged not by its library or endowment, but by the contributions of the men and women who go forth from it, the services they render to others, and the humility in which they serve.”
During his 55-year career, Hayling has treated thousands of women and delivered more than 8,000 babies, but he is most proud of his leadership role as a teen mentor. “My true passion is helping young people grow into productive and compassionate leaders,” he said, “particularly those who have had poor or absent male role models in their lives.”
..But Hayling is best known for his work outside of medicine. Following the example set by the role models from his youth, Hayling cofounded 100 Black Men of America, Inc., a mentoring program for young African-Americans and other minorities, in 1963. Other founding members included baseball legend Jackie Robinson and David Dinkins, who later became mayor of New York City. The organization has more than 100 chapters and 10,000 members. Hayling also volunteers with Mentoring Today for Tomorrow, an after-school program for young people ages 9 through 18, in California’s Riverside County." Read full article here.
