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.
26 Objects displayed
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  3. Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
For:
  • Subjects = Protest movements
  • Document Type = text
  • Geographic Location = Georgia--Atlanta
A booklet identifying Atlanta University Center's historical markers for the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
AUC Campus Markers Committee COAHR 40th Anniversary, circa 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Description
A booklet identifying Atlanta University Center's historical markers for the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A detailed timeline of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement in chronological order. It starts on February 1, 1960, with four North Carolina A&T State University students participating in a Sit-In protest at Woolworth lunch counter. After that incident, students from the Atlanta University Center organized the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. Then the timeline describes events from February 1, 1960, to September 26, 1961, when downtown lunch counters were desegregated. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Voices of the Student Movement", Chronology of Events, 1990
Date Created
1990
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A detailed timeline of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement in chronological order. It starts on February 1, 1960, with four North Carolina A&T State University students participating in a Sit-In protest at Woolworth lunch counter. After that incident, students from the Atlanta University Center organized the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. Then the timeline describes events from February 1, 1960, to September 26, 1961, when downtown lunch counters were desegregated. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An excerpt from chapter 21, titled "I Can Sing Atlanta The Young Warriors", of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays' book Born to Rebel An Autobiography. Dr. Mays talks about In 1960, students from Morehouse and Spelman colleges planned a sit-in demonstration to protest against the discrimination faced by Black people in Atlanta's downtown restaurants. The plan was inspired by the Greensboro sit-ins, where four students refused to leave a white store's lunch counter and sparked a revolution against segregation in eating establishments in the South. The six presidents of the Atlanta University Center were supportive of the students' plans, but each student was encouraged to make their own decision and be prepared to face the consequences for violating the unjust law. 14 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Born to Rebel, Dr Benjamin Elijah Mays Autobiography, circa 1970
Date Created
1969/1972
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An excerpt from chapter 21, titled "I Can Sing Atlanta The Young Warriors", of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays' book Born to Rebel An Autobiography. Dr. Mays talks about In 1960, students from Morehouse and Spelman colleges planned a sit-in demonstration to protest against the discrimination faced by Black people in Atlanta's downtown restaurants. The plan was inspired by the Greensboro sit-ins, where four students refused to leave a white store's lunch counter and sparked a revolution against segregation in eating establishments in the South. The six presidents of the Atlanta University Center were supportive of the students' plans, but each student was encouraged to make their own decision and be prepared to face the consequences for violating the unjust law. 14 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest 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
"Students Prefer Jail-Ins to Bail-Outs" newspaper article in the Southern Patriot about the southern student movement, highlighting the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee as leaders in the movement. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Students Prefer Jail Ins to Bail Outs", March 1961
Date Created
1961-03
Description
"Students Prefer Jail-Ins to Bail-Outs" newspaper article in the Southern Patriot about the southern student movement, highlighting the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee as leaders in the movement. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
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
An excerpt from a newspaper advertisement in support of human dignity written by the Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action. The letter commends the peaceful efforts of Atlanta University Center students in their pursuit of equal treatment as citizens and human beings. The students' activities included an appeal for human rights, requests for food service, picketing, and a march to the State Capitol. The committee endorses the students' objectives and calls upon all individuals in public office, business, education, and civic life to work towards a community that values brotherhood and Christian justice for all. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"An Endorsement In Support of Human Dignity", circa 1962
Date Created
1960/1964
Description
An excerpt from a newspaper advertisement in support of human dignity written by the Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action. The letter commends the peaceful efforts of Atlanta University Center students in their pursuit of equal treatment as citizens and human beings. The students' activities included an appeal for human rights, requests for food service, picketing, and a march to the State Capitol. The committee endorses the students' objectives and calls upon all individuals in public office, business, education, and civic life to work towards a community that values brotherhood and Christian justice for all. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights met on December 2, 1960, and discussed the lack of personnel and the need to hit Walgreens early in the morning. The committee also noted that some members needed to follow policies, but overall, the organization was working smoothly and profiting from the previous day's mistakes. The committee is also suggested to take the suggestions of research and action committees before going into anything blindly and adhere to sit policies placed by the committees. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Minutes, December 2, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal of Human Rights
Description
The Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights met on December 2, 1960, and discussed the lack of personnel and the need to hit Walgreens early in the morning. The committee also noted that some members needed to follow policies, but overall, the organization was working smoothly and profiting from the previous day's mistakes. The committee is also suggested to take the suggestions of research and action committees before going into anything blindly and adhere to sit policies placed by the committees. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, Meetings
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and student leader Lonnie King, along with other members of the sit-in group, refuse bail following their arrest for violating the state�s trespass law in Fulton County on Wednesday. On Wednesday at 9:00 AM, around 200 students gathered on the Atlanta University campus to break into 11 groups and go to specific eating facilities in the city, marking the beginning of the sit-ins. After being arrested for disturbing the peace, the students remained calm even as they were held in the modern Jefferson Street prison. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Jail, No Bail Group In Jail, Cheerful, Confident", October 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-24
Description
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and student leader Lonnie King, along with other members of the sit-in group, refuse bail following their arrest for violating the state�s trespass law in Fulton County on Wednesday. On Wednesday at 9:00 AM, around 200 students gathered on the Atlanta University campus to break into 11 groups and go to specific eating facilities in the city, marking the beginning of the sit-ins. After being arrested for disturbing the peace, the students remained calm even as they were held in the modern Jefferson Street prison. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Appeal for Human Rights Draft, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1961
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A group of white Southern ministers from the Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches has issued a statement expressing their conviction that racial discrimination in America is morally wrong and must be addressed by the church. They denounce the use of the Bible to justify white supremacy and call on all Christians to act with humility and conviction to promote full human brotherhood. They believe that it is their responsibility as Christian ministers to make clear statements of their position on concrete social issues and to exercise vigorous civic leadership to promote interracial contacts and protect the rights of minority groups. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Demonstration, A Call to Christian Action, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A group of white Southern ministers from the Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches has issued a statement expressing their conviction that racial discrimination in America is morally wrong and must be addressed by the church. They denounce the use of the Bible to justify white supremacy and call on all Christians to act with humility and conviction to promote full human brotherhood. They believe that it is their responsibility as Christian ministers to make clear statements of their position on concrete social issues and to exercise vigorous civic leadership to promote interracial contacts and protect the rights of minority groups. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Notes from the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights meeting discussing future meeting dates and information pertaining to the Sit-Ins. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights meeting discussing future meeting dates and information pertaining to the Sit-Ins. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Notes from the Action Committee Report referring to the integration of the lunch counters. The note drafts the conditions and plan of action for the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights and how it regards the protesting movements. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Action Committee Reports, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from the Action Committee Report referring to the integration of the lunch counters. The note drafts the conditions and plan of action for the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights and how it regards the protesting movements. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Notes referring to student activism and the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. The action report, summarized by the note, is referring to trying to get the administration to agree to have students have 3-5 days off and the students wearing a Kennedy button and be placed throughout the town to direct other students and tell them where to go for protesting. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting adopted Action report, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes referring to student activism and the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. The action report, summarized by the note, is referring to trying to get the administration to agree to have students have 3-5 days off and the students wearing a Kennedy button and be placed throughout the town to direct other students and tell them where to go for protesting. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A meeting agenda discussing demonstrations, marches, and the possibility of a new emphasis in the movement with Stand-Ins. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Agenda, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A meeting agenda discussing demonstrations, marches, and the possibility of a new emphasis in the movement with Stand-Ins. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A meeting agenda with featured figures James Felder and Otis Moss. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Agenda With Negotiations, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A meeting agenda with featured figures James Felder and Otis Moss. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Notes from the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights meeting. Notes discuss donation amounts and pricing for various items. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights meeting. Notes discuss donation amounts and pricing for various items. 7 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Notes from a meeting concerning public relations. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from a meeting concerning public relations. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A judge in Municipal Court in Atlanta, James Webb, stayed late to hear the cases of 59 African-American students arrested during a sit-in demonstration. He sent 56 of them to Fulton Criminal Court on $300 bonds, while three others who had already made bonds were also bound over. All 59 students made property bonds, but one juvenile stayed in jail. Two white youths were also ordered to spend 30 days in the city stockade for failing to move at a police officer's order after one of them kicked a Negro radio station reporter. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Managers Testify in Sit In Hearings, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A judge in Municipal Court in Atlanta, James Webb, stayed late to hear the cases of 59 African-American students arrested during a sit-in demonstration. He sent 56 of them to Fulton Criminal Court on $300 bonds, while three others who had already made bonds were also bound over. All 59 students made property bonds, but one juvenile stayed in jail. Two white youths were also ordered to spend 30 days in the city stockade for failing to move at a police officer's order after one of them kicked a Negro radio station reporter. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Notes referring to a meeting held by the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes referring to a meeting held by the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism