The Mary Ann Smith Wilson - Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism spans the dates 1948-2008 with the bulk of the material dated 1960-1967. The collection documents both Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's and Mary Ann Smith Wilson's participation in the civil rights movement and the organizations with which they were affiliated. Although the collection documents both sisters' activities, the bulk of the collection reflects Ruby Doris Smith Robinson’s activism activities in the civil rights movement. Also included in the collection are photographs, correspondences, news articles, programs, reports, and flyers. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Aug 7, 2023

Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism

The Mary Ann Smith Wilson - Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism spans the dates 1948-2008 with the bulk of the material dated 1960-1967. The collection documents both Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's and Mary Ann Smith Wilson's participation in the civil rights movement and the organizations with which they were affiliated. Although the collection documents both sisters' activities, the bulk of the collection reflects Ruby Doris Smith Robinson’s activism activities in the civil rights movement. Also included in the collection are photographs, correspondences, news articles, programs, reports, and flyers.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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For:
  • Subjects = African American pioneers
  • Decade = 1960-1969
  • Subjects = African Americans--Civil rights
  • Series = Mary Ann Smith Wilson
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin from the Southeastern Regional Office. Bulletin discusses current race relations and progress in school desegregation. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin, Fall 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin from the Southeastern Regional Office. Bulletin discusses current race relations and progress in school desegregation. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is of project reports meeting minutes from September 5th, 1964. The records show the transcription of a meeting about King's campaign, voting campaign projects, and several other programs. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Meeting Minutes Project Reports, September 5, 1964
Date Created
1964-09-05
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document is of project reports meeting minutes from September 5th, 1964. The records show the transcription of a meeting about King's campaign, voting campaign projects, and several other programs. 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American pioneers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Judy Yearby, a high school student, wrote a report on famed agriculture chemist George Washington Carver on February 12, 1965. Yearby wrote a biographical report about Carver's life starting in 1864 and when he passed on January 5, 1943. Yearby describes Carver's family during his childhood and then goes into his young adulthood. She describes how he received his MS from Iowa State College after hitchhiking a ride on a covered wagon. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Student Paper, G.W. Carver and the Civil Rights Bill, February 12, 1965
Date Created
1962-02-12
Author
Yearby, Judy
Description
Judy Yearby, a high school student, wrote a report on famed agriculture chemist George Washington Carver on February 12, 1965. Yearby wrote a biographical report about Carver's life starting in 1864 and when he passed on January 5, 1943. Yearby describes Carver's family during his childhood and then goes into his young adulthood. She describes how he received his MS from Iowa State College after hitchhiking a ride on a covered wagon. 7 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, African American pioneers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer have themes of housing in Georgia and the Atlanta Metro Area, the Christmas season, and integration. Articles published in the Atlanta Inquirer are "When the Lights Go On Again, M. Carl Holman's " 'Fine Singing' From Lockheed," What Did We Do to Support A Strong Housing Order?" accompanied by a political cartoon, "Letters To the Editor," and "If We are Ready". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 30, 1961
Date Created
1961-12-30
Description
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer have themes of housing in Georgia and the Atlanta Metro Area, the Christmas season, and integration. Articles published in the Atlanta Inquirer are "When the Lights Go On Again, M. Carl Holman's " 'Fine Singing' From Lockheed," What Did We Do to Support A Strong Housing Order?" accompanied by a political cartoon, "Letters To the Editor," and "If We are Ready". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article written one day before Christmas Eve in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman called "The Hopes and Fears of All the Years.." The article is about the dichotomy of the civil rights movement: proponents of the civil rights protest vs. critics of the civil rights protest. Holman narrates about a Lady and her opposition to the protest during the Christmas Holiday Season. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Hopes And Fears Of All The Years", December 23, 1961
Date Created
1961-12-23
Description
An article written one day before Christmas Eve in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman called "The Hopes and Fears of All the Years.." The article is about the dichotomy of the civil rights movement: proponents of the civil rights protest vs. critics of the civil rights protest. Holman narrates about a Lady and her opposition to the protest during the Christmas Holiday Season. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals" article in the Atlanta Inquirer about a ruling on the Interstate Commerce Commission prohibiting discrimination on interstate buses and terminal facilities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals", September 30, 1961
Date Created
1961-09-30
Description
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals" article in the Atlanta Inquirer about a ruling on the Interstate Commerce Commission prohibiting discrimination on interstate buses and terminal facilities. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, Race discrimination, Civil rights movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer article about four Atlanta student leaders who filed a desegregation suit against the City of Atlanta to gain equal access to Atlanta's parks, tennis courts, and City Auditorium. Four student leaders from Atlanta filed a desegregation lawsuit in U.S. District Court on May 17, seeking to abolish racial segregation in all public facilities owned, operated, maintained, or subsidized by the City of Atlanta, Georgia. The students cited refusals of equal use of Atlanta�s parks, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium as the basis for their lawsuit. They filed the suit without an attorney and paid fees for warrants to be served on the defendants. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Sue for Equal Use of Parks", May 20, 1961
Date Created
1961-05-20
Description
Atlanta Inquirer article about four Atlanta student leaders who filed a desegregation suit against the City of Atlanta to gain equal access to Atlanta's parks, tennis courts, and City Auditorium. Four student leaders from Atlanta filed a desegregation lawsuit in U.S. District Court on May 17, seeking to abolish racial segregation in all public facilities owned, operated, maintained, or subsidized by the City of Atlanta, Georgia. The students cited refusals of equal use of Atlanta�s parks, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium as the basis for their lawsuit. They filed the suit without an attorney and paid fees for warrants to be served on the defendants. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR civil action case against the City of Atlanta. This is a summary of a legal case in which the plaintiffs seek to abolish racial segregation and discrimination in every public facility operated by the City of Atlanta, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and municipal buildings. The plaintiffs represent an estimated 230,000 citizens of Atlanta who are members of the Negro race. The defendants include the City of Atlanta, the Director of Recreation for the City, the General Manager of the Department of Parks, and a judge of the Municipal Court. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prohibit racial discrimination and segregation under color of law. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Civil Action Case, May 16, 1961
Date Created
1961-05-16
Description
COAHR civil action case against the City of Atlanta. This is a summary of a legal case in which the plaintiffs seek to abolish racial segregation and discrimination in every public facility operated by the City of Atlanta, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and municipal buildings. The plaintiffs represent an estimated 230,000 citizens of Atlanta who are members of the Negro race. The defendants include the City of Atlanta, the Director of Recreation for the City, the General Manager of the Department of Parks, and a judge of the Municipal Court. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prohibit racial discrimination and segregation under color of law. 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Segregation
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Warren Scott, the Episcopal Chaplain at the Atlanta University Center, inviting Mary Ann Smith to dinner at the Canterbury House. The dinner guests are "members of the Canterbury Association who were in jail, some student movement leaders, and others." 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From Warren Scott, March 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-22
Author
Scott, Warren
Description
Correspondence from Warren Scott, the Episcopal Chaplain at the Atlanta University Center, inviting Mary Ann Smith to dinner at the Canterbury House. The dinner guests are "members of the Canterbury Association who were in jail, some student movement leaders, and others." 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe to Mary Ann Smith notifying her of a meeting for the Atlanta Student Adult Liaison. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe, March 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-22
Author
Borders, Williams H., Lowe, C.M.
Description
Correspondence from William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe to Mary Ann Smith notifying her of a meeting for the Atlanta Student Adult Liaison. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Stokely Carmichael, Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), issued a statement condemning the bombing and burning of Black churches in the American South. Carmichael argues that these acts of violence are traditional methods employed by white racists to express their disdain and hatred towards African Americans who dare to protest against their inhumane treatment and degradation. He criticizes the lack of response from federal, state, and local authorities and the FBI, who fail to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Carmichael sees this as a reflection of white America's approval and collaboration in perpetuating racism. He highlights recent church bombings in Lowndes County, Alabama, where Viola Liuzzo and Jonathan Daniels were murdered, and emphasizes the routine investigations conducted by authorities that yield no substantial results. Carmichael draws parallels between the current state of affairs and the Reconstruction era, pointing out the ousting of Adam Clayton Powell from Congress as evidence of continued oppression. He suggests that Black people increasingly recognize the need to fight back against the long history of genocide, lynchings, bombings, and burnings, asserting that these acts will only strengthen their resolve for justice. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Church Bombings, The American Way of Racism", March 15, 1967
Date Created
1961-03-15
Author
Carmichael, Stokely
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
Stokely Carmichael, Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), issued a statement condemning the bombing and burning of Black churches in the American South. Carmichael argues that these acts of violence are traditional methods employed by white racists to express their disdain and hatred towards African Americans who dare to protest against their inhumane treatment and degradation. He criticizes the lack of response from federal, state, and local authorities and the FBI, who fail to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Carmichael sees this as a reflection of white America's approval and collaboration in perpetuating racism. He highlights recent church bombings in Lowndes County, Alabama, where Viola Liuzzo and Jonathan Daniels were murdered, and emphasizes the routine investigations conducted by authorities that yield no substantial results. Carmichael draws parallels between the current state of affairs and the Reconstruction era, pointing out the ousting of Adam Clayton Powell from Congress as evidence of continued oppression. He suggests that Black people increasingly recognize the need to fight back against the long history of genocide, lynchings, bombings, and burnings, asserting that these acts will only strengthen their resolve for justice. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American pioneers, African American churches
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR meeting notes about student demonstrations and planning. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, March 7, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-07
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR meeting notes about student demonstrations and planning. 11 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about the Atlanta Student Movement, including the jail not bail demonstration and Ruby Doris Smith's arrest and jailing. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Inquirer, February 11, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Description
Articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about the Atlanta Student Movement, including the jail not bail demonstration and Ruby Doris Smith's arrest and jailing. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The article "Doing What Comes Naturally," by Holman, was published in the Atlanta Inquirer on February 4th, 1941. Holman criticized Wilma Rudolph for lacking cordiality during her visit to Atlanta. The writer suggested that some Negro athletes use a masquerade when speaking on social issues. However, others argue that athletes should not be limited in expressing their opinions, and Wilma Rudolph was regarded as genuine and gracious by most people she met in Atlanta. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Doing What Comes Naturally", February 4, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-04
Description
The article "Doing What Comes Naturally," by Holman, was published in the Atlanta Inquirer on February 4th, 1941. Holman criticized Wilma Rudolph for lacking cordiality during her visit to Atlanta. The writer suggested that some Negro athletes use a masquerade when speaking on social issues. However, others argue that athletes should not be limited in expressing their opinions, and Wilma Rudolph was regarded as genuine and gracious by most people she met in Atlanta. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes discussing recent movement activities and jailing. Note to meet again within two weeks. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, February 1961
Date Created
1961-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes discussing recent movement activities and jailing. Note to meet again within two weeks. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are "Seventy-Seven Years of Service," Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, January 28, 1961
Date Created
1961-01-28
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are "Seventy-Seven Years of Service," Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about political influence on race discrimination related to recent local events and the inaugural ball. Articles featured in this issue are "Signs Of The Times," Holman's "The Inquirer Speaks," "Black Week." accompanied by a political cartoon, and "Letters The Editor". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, January 21, 1961
Date Created
1961-01-21
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about political influence on race discrimination related to recent local events and the inaugural ball. Articles featured in this issue are "Signs Of The Times," Holman's "The Inquirer Speaks," "Black Week." accompanied by a political cartoon, and "Letters The Editor". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder to Dignity and Brotherhood in '61" flyer from COAHR and the Student Liaison Committee noting boycotting and the non violent desegregation movement. A call to action to "refuse to pay to be segregated" and to share the cause is included. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder", 1961
Date Created
1961
Description
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder to Dignity and Brotherhood in '61" flyer from COAHR and the Student Liaison Committee noting boycotting and the non violent desegregation movement. A call to action to "refuse to pay to be segregated" and to share the cause is included. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This booklet discusses Atlanta's peaceful, non-violent protests against segregation, have been met with threats, abuse, and jail time for both students and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite agreeing to a 30-day truce period, the downtown merchants have refused to desegregate, so citizens were asked to stay out of the downtown shopping area until all customers are granted the same treatment. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Don't Shop Downtown", circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
This booklet discusses Atlanta's peaceful, non-violent protests against segregation, have been met with threats, abuse, and jail time for both students and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite agreeing to a 30-day truce period, the downtown merchants have refused to desegregate, so citizens were asked to stay out of the downtown shopping area until all customers are granted the same treatment. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom" Flyer calling shoppers to "stay out of the downtown stores" as merchants have refused Black service. Flyer from COAHR and the Student Adult Liaison Committee. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom", circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom" Flyer calling shoppers to "stay out of the downtown stores" as merchants have refused Black service. Flyer from COAHR and the Student Adult Liaison Committee. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism