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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This booklet titled "Black Body White Mind" argues that education in the United States has been used to perpetuate White supremacy and to keep Black people in a subordinate position. The author discusses the history of Negro education in the United States and argues that Negro schools have been White-oriented and have not met the needs of the Black community. The author also argues that the civil rights movement's focus on integration has not effectively addressed the underlying problems of racism in education. 17 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Body White Mind", 1967
Date Created
1967
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This booklet titled "Black Body White Mind" argues that education in the United States has been used to perpetuate White supremacy and to keep Black people in a subordinate position. The author discusses the history of Negro education in the United States and argues that Negro schools have been White-oriented and have not met the needs of the Black community. The author also argues that the civil rights movement's focus on integration has not effectively addressed the underlying problems of racism in education. 17 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document provides a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the Texas Southern University (TSU) incident, which occurred on May 16, focusing on the events from May 15-17. The report sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the incident, often labeled as a "riot," although evidence of looting or organized violence is absent. Instead, it reveals a harsh display of police force directed towards the college campus, leading to numerous arrests and injuries, as well as the tragic death of a student. The report highlights the lack of proper reporting, underrepresenting the victims' perspectives, and attempts to hold the city accountable for its actions. The document includes photographs and statements from witnesses and participants, intending to provide a more accurate understanding of the situation and challenge the official narrative. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Texas Southern University Riot Report, 1967
Date Created
1967
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document provides a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the Texas Southern University (TSU) incident, which occurred on May 16, focusing on the events from May 15-17. The report sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the incident, often labeled as a "riot," although evidence of looting or organized violence is absent. Instead, it reveals a harsh display of police force directed towards the college campus, leading to numerous arrests and injuries, as well as the tragic death of a student. The report highlights the lack of proper reporting, underrepresenting the victims' perspectives, and attempts to hold the city accountable for its actions. The document includes photographs and statements from witnesses and participants, intending to provide a more accurate understanding of the situation and challenge the official narrative. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students, Protest movements, College students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from an unidentified person about living In Puerto Rico, colonialism, and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Unidentified Person, circa 1967
Date Created
1966/1968
Description
Correspondence from an unidentified person about living In Puerto Rico, colonialism, and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. 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
Article in Ebony Magazine highlighting Black women advocates in the South including Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Annie Devine, Rosa Parks, Daisy Bates, Gloria Richardson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Marian Wright, and Hattie Parker. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Builders Of A New South, Heroines of Dixie", August 1966
Date Created
1966-08
Description
Article in Ebony Magazine highlighting Black women advocates in the South including Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Annie Devine, Rosa Parks, Daisy Bates, Gloria Richardson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Marian Wright, and Hattie Parker. 8 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 from Jet magazine about the American Labor Federation, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Reverend Fauntroy all about promoting equal rights. The article's first page talks about the American Labor Federation and its endorsement of President Lyndon B. Johnson about residential integration. The Second page is titled "SNCC, Dick Gregory Snub White," about SNCC and the racial tensions during the Vietnam War. The rest of the article discusses the negotiations and talks among CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SNCC, and the White House about racial justice and inequality. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Articles in JET magazine, June 1966
Date Created
1966-06
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Commitee
Description
Articles from Jet magazine about the American Labor Federation, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Reverend Fauntroy all about promoting equal rights. The article's first page talks about the American Labor Federation and its endorsement of President Lyndon B. Johnson about residential integration. The Second page is titled "SNCC, Dick Gregory Snub White," about SNCC and the racial tensions during the Vietnam War. The rest of the article discusses the negotiations and talks among CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SNCC, and the White House about racial justice and inequality. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Presidents, Political participation, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a manifesto of the Black Panther Party. The manifesto describes the Black Panther Party as the "vanguard of the colonized Black Nation in North America...Our objectives are national liberation, the overthrow of the white racist's (colonizer's) power over us, and the establishment of Black Humanism". The five-page manifesto is separated into two sections: Philosophy and Program. Section one of Philosophy summarizes the Black Panther Party's mission to defend against any antagonism aimed toward the Black community and fight white racism and colonial oppression. Section Two outlines the program of the Black Panther Party. It is described as raising political consciousness, achieving national liberation, and promoting unity and freedom through any necessary means. The section concludes by asserting that the world belongs to Black people. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Manifesto, The Philosophy and Program of the Black Panther Party", 1966
Date Created
1966
Creator
Black Panther Party
Description
This document is a manifesto of the Black Panther Party. The manifesto describes the Black Panther Party as the "vanguard of the colonized Black Nation in North America...Our objectives are national liberation, the overthrow of the white racist's (colonizer's) power over us, and the establishment of Black Humanism". The five-page manifesto is separated into two sections: Philosophy and Program. Section one of Philosophy summarizes the Black Panther Party's mission to defend against any antagonism aimed toward the Black community and fight white racism and colonial oppression. Section Two outlines the program of the Black Panther Party. It is described as raising political consciousness, achieving national liberation, and promoting unity and freedom through any necessary means. The section concludes by asserting that the world belongs to Black people. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Ruby Smith from Dinky and an unidentified person discussing recent life out of state. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Dinky and Unidentified Person, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Description
Correspondence to Ruby Smith from Dinky and an unidentified person discussing recent life out of state. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get-well letter to Ruby Doris Smith from Guy Carawan, Candie Carawan, and Evan. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get Well Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Guy, Candie, and Evan Carawan, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Author
Carwan, Guy
Description
Get-well letter to Ruby Doris Smith from Guy Carawan, Candie Carawan, and Evan. 2 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
Brochure promoting Charlie Cobb's upcoming book to be produced by Flute Publications about the Black experience. Brochure has donation and order request form. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Flute Publication Brochure for Charlie Cobb Book, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Description
Brochure promoting Charlie Cobb's upcoming book to be produced by Flute Publications about the Black experience. Brochure has donation and order request form. 2 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
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith from Charlie Cobb, attaching letters written to New York Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Office about his trip to Vietnam. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Charlie Cobb, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Author
Cobb, Charlie
Description
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith from Charlie Cobb, attaching letters written to New York Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Office about his trip to Vietnam. 7 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
Get-well letter from Maria Varela to Ruby Doris Smith. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get Well Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Maria Varela, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Author
Varela, Maria, 1940-
Description
Get-well letter from Maria Varela to Ruby Doris Smith. 2 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
Note to Ruby Doris Smith from Freddie to get well and items from her old office. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Ruby Doris Smith From Freddie, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Description
Note to Ruby Doris Smith from Freddie to get well and items from her old office. 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
Visitors register for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's funeral, with additional visitor sign in. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Funeral Visitors Register for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Description
Visitors register for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's funeral, with additional visitor sign in. 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
Visitors register for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's funeral. 10 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Funeral Visitors Register for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Description
Visitors register for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's funeral. 10 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
An image of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson at the Student Nonviolent Committee Headquarters in Ebony Magazine. The caption notes the percentage of women in the movement, and Ruby Doris' comment of needing more people regardless of gender. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby Doris Smith Robinson at Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Headquarters, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Description
An image of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson at the Student Nonviolent Committee Headquarters in Ebony Magazine. The caption notes the percentage of women in the movement, and Ruby Doris' comment of needing more people regardless of gender. 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 document accounts for the legal case MacLaurin vs. The State of Mississippi, involving Charles MacLaurin, a field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). MacLaurin was arrested and charged with "Disturbing the Peace" and "Resisting Arrest" in Greenville, Mississippi, after speaking to a group of Black individuals about the unjust conviction of Black defendants for playing in a segregated public park. MacLaurin's trial resulted in guilty verdicts and subsequent convictions, leading to a sentence of 180 days in prison and a $100 fine. Appeals were made, but they were denied. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied, with three justices refusing to review the case. The document argues that the legal proceedings were biased and part of a conspiracy to deny justice and violate the civil and human rights of Black individuals who fight for equality. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Statement on MacLaurin vs. State of Mississippi, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document accounts for the legal case MacLaurin vs. The State of Mississippi, involving Charles MacLaurin, a field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). MacLaurin was arrested and charged with "Disturbing the Peace" and "Resisting Arrest" in Greenville, Mississippi, after speaking to a group of Black individuals about the unjust conviction of Black defendants for playing in a segregated public park. MacLaurin's trial resulted in guilty verdicts and subsequent convictions, leading to a sentence of 180 days in prison and a $100 fine. Appeals were made, but they were denied. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied, with three justices refusing to review the case. The document argues that the legal proceedings were biased and part of a conspiracy to deny justice and violate the civil and human rights of Black individuals who fight for equality. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, Dispute Resolution (Law)
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article by Lerone Bennett Jr. about the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee and its commitment to the "Southern Freedom Movement." 6 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"SNCC: Rebels With A Cause" July 20, 1965
Date Created
1965-07-20
Author
Bennett, Lerone., Jr.
Description
Article by Lerone Bennett Jr. about the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee and its commitment to the "Southern Freedom Movement." 6 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
Honorary Invitation from the JRDA National Council, Democratic Party of Guinea - African Democratic Rally to Ruby Doris Smith for the National Arts Festival from September 14, 1964 through September 28, 1964. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Democratic Party of Guinea Honorary Invitation to National Arts Week for Ruby Doris Smith, September 14, 1964
Date Created
1964-09-14
Description
Honorary Invitation from the JRDA National Council, Democratic Party of Guinea - African Democratic Rally to Ruby Doris Smith for the National Arts Festival from September 14, 1964 through September 28, 1964. 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 document is the minutes from an SNCC meeting held on September 6th, 1964. The meeting minutes are a transcript of those members in attendance. The agenda items for the meeting were Billy Stafford's report on Southern campuses and work-study programs, a discussion of regional coordinators, fundraising projects, Summer projects, filled and needed positions, the Black Belt Project, and the budget for the various programs. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Meeting Minutes Reports on Southern Campuses, September 6 ,1964
Date Created
1964-09-06
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document is the minutes from an SNCC meeting held on September 6th, 1964. The meeting minutes are a transcript of those members in attendance. The agenda items for the meeting were Billy Stafford's report on Southern campuses and work-study programs, a discussion of regional coordinators, fundraising projects, Summer projects, filled and needed positions, the Black Belt Project, and the budget for the various programs. 12 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students
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