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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The Planning Committee, chaired by Lonnie C. King, held a meeting to discuss the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Appeal of 1960. King wants to update the appeal and desires the input of the students. Herschelle presented six preliminary drafts for input for the Second Appeal, mentioning that Atlanta is desegregated, there is still discrimination in levels of banking credit allocated to white businesses as opposed to Black businesses, and there are many issues, including environmental justice. The Committee scheduled a meeting on February 28 to continue work. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Meeting `, February 29, 2000
Date Created
2000-02-29
Description
The Planning Committee, chaired by Lonnie C. King, held a meeting to discuss the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Appeal of 1960. King wants to update the appeal and desires the input of the students. Herschelle presented six preliminary drafts for input for the Second Appeal, mentioning that Atlanta is desegregated, there is still discrimination in levels of banking credit allocated to white businesses as opposed to Black businesses, and there are many issues, including environmental justice. The Committee scheduled a meeting on February 28 to continue work. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Inquirer is publishing a special supplement to celebrate the 40th Reunion of the Atlanta Students Civil Rights Movement detailing the young warriors who played an indispensable role in making Atlanta an international city and a Mecca for Blacks. Several events are planned for Friday evening, August 4, including a Grand Reunion. Participants are requested to share their memories, photos, and a short bio. The Reunion Celebration will begin on Friday, March 31, and continue through Sunday, April 2, and culminating activities celebrating the founding of The Atlanta Inquirer will begin in April and continue to October. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer Correspondence From John Smith to "Trailblazer", February 29, 2000
Date Created
2000-02-29
Description
The Atlanta Inquirer is publishing a special supplement to celebrate the 40th Reunion of the Atlanta Students Civil Rights Movement detailing the young warriors who played an indispensable role in making Atlanta an international city and a Mecca for Blacks. Several events are planned for Friday evening, August 4, including a Grand Reunion. Participants are requested to share their memories, photos, and a short bio. The Reunion Celebration will begin on Friday, March 31, and continue through Sunday, April 2, and culminating activities celebrating the founding of The Atlanta Inquirer will begin in April and continue to October. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda from the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on February 10th, 2000. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Civil Rights Committee Agenda, February 10, 2000
Date Created
2000-02-10
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda from the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on February 10th, 2000. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The letter is about the success of a reunion celebrating the Student Civil Rights Movement of the 60s, which was well-planned and attended. The letter invites people to attend a formal celebration of the movement on March 31st-April 2, 2000, at Morehouse College campus and to contribute to the founding of a newspaper for the student movement. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer COAHR 40th Anniversary Invitation, January 28, 2000
Date Created
2000-01-28
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The letter is about the success of a reunion celebrating the Student Civil Rights Movement of the 60s, which was well-planned and attended. The letter invites people to attend a formal celebration of the movement on March 31st-April 2, 2000, at Morehouse College campus and to contribute to the founding of a newspaper for the student movement. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An invitation letter for the 40th-year commemoration of the Student Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and a reception is being held on January 18, 2000, at the H.J Russel and Company. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer Invitation COAHR, January 6, 2000
Date Created
2000-01-06
Description
An invitation letter for the 40th-year commemoration of the Student Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and a reception is being held on January 18, 2000, at the H.J Russel and Company. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda is from the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on January 1st, 2000. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Agenda, January 5, 2000
Date Created
2000-01-05
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda is from the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on January 1st, 2000. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Planning Committee meeting held on January 5, 2000, at the Kilgore Campus Center, Morehouse College, discussed reports from the Sub-Committees that presented options for the commemoration of the celebration, with Willis and Karen being asked to work on the exhibit and a more formal notion of the monument. The planning committee compressed the celebration from three days to two, and the draft report from the second appeal committee was discussed, with a discussion of the budget, and members recognizing that money was needed to support the activities such as the full-page advertisement of the second appeal. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Meeting, January 5, 200
Date Created
2000-01-05
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The Planning Committee meeting held on January 5, 2000, at the Kilgore Campus Center, Morehouse College, discussed reports from the Sub-Committees that presented options for the commemoration of the celebration, with Willis and Karen being asked to work on the exhibit and a more formal notion of the monument. The planning committee compressed the celebration from three days to two, and the draft report from the second appeal committee was discussed, with a discussion of the budget, and members recognizing that money was needed to support the activities such as the full-page advertisement of the second appeal. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Meeting minutes for the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights held on May 29th, 2000, and July 15th,2000. The Committee voted to incorporate and elected officers. They also discussed a mobile art exhibit, sought pro bono legal services, and formed a committee on image issues. On July 15, 2000, they discussed financial statements, fundraising, and distribution of a historical marker brochure, as well as student movement images and a 40th-anniversary celebration. They also discussed potential projects, including coalition-building and a proposed educational project, and scheduled their next meeting for September 9, 2000. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Minutes, 2000
Date Created
2000
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Meeting minutes for the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights held on May 29th, 2000, and July 15th,2000. The Committee voted to incorporate and elected officers. They also discussed a mobile art exhibit, sought pro bono legal services, and formed a committee on image issues. On July 15, 2000, they discussed financial statements, fundraising, and distribution of a historical marker brochure, as well as student movement images and a 40th-anniversary celebration. They also discussed potential projects, including coalition-building and a proposed educational project, and scheduled their next meeting for September 9, 2000. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda for the Committee on the Appeal For Human Rights held on April 29th, 2000. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Agenda 2000 Notes
Date Created
2000
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda for the Committee on the Appeal For Human Rights held on April 29th, 2000. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A schedule of events for the 40th-anniversary commemoration event of "An Appeal For Human Rights" and The Atlanta Student Movement from March 31st to April 2nd, 2000 at the Atlanta University Center. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Schedule of Events,2000
Date Created
2000
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A schedule of events for the 40th-anniversary commemoration event of "An Appeal For Human Rights" and The Atlanta Student Movement from March 31st to April 2nd, 2000 at the Atlanta University Center. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special eventss, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A program for the 40th-anniversary commemoration event of the Appeal for Human Rights and Atlanta Student Movement. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Program, 2000
Date Created
2000
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A program for the 40th-anniversary commemoration event of the Appeal for Human Rights and Atlanta Student Movement. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special eventss
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The bylaws of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights, Incorporated, outline the membership and dues, the roles and responsibilities of officers, the Executive Committee, and procedures for amendments and dissolution. The Executive Committee administers the organization in the intervals between meetings and keeps minutes of each meeting. The organization can be dissolved according to procedures set forth in its charter under the State of Georgia. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Bylaws, circa 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The bylaws of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights, Incorporated, outline the membership and dues, the roles and responsibilities of officers, the Executive Committee, and procedures for amendments and dissolution. The Executive Committee administers the organization in the intervals between meetings and keeps minutes of each meeting. The organization can be dissolved according to procedures set forth in its charter under the State of Georgia. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Remarks from the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement. The author of the remarks states the beginning of the Atlanta Student movement in March of 1960 and the students from the Atlanta University Center joining in the battle for Civil Rights. They used non-violent means such as sit-ins, kneel-ins, and picket lines to push for desegregation and promote the hiring of Black people in higher positions. The students persevered despite facing physical beatings and isolation from friends and family, and their actions quickened the pace of racial desegregation and changed the course of history in Atlanta and the South. Today, the struggle for economic, political, and social parity continues, and the author presents a second "Appeal" to challenge the current generation to take positive action for change. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Remarks, circa 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Remarks from the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement. The author of the remarks states the beginning of the Atlanta Student movement in March of 1960 and the students from the Atlanta University Center joining in the battle for Civil Rights. They used non-violent means such as sit-ins, kneel-ins, and picket lines to push for desegregation and promote the hiring of Black people in higher positions. The students persevered despite facing physical beatings and isolation from friends and family, and their actions quickened the pace of racial desegregation and changed the course of history in Atlanta and the South. Today, the struggle for economic, political, and social parity continues, and the author presents a second "Appeal" to challenge the current generation to take positive action for change. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Four certificates were awarded to members of the family, including the mother, aunt, and two brothers. The mother, Julia Gibson, was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, and her activism inspired her son John Gibson and Julian Bond to create a program to educate the Black community about the "Student Movement." John, along with Julian and Carl Holman, started the Atlanta Enquirer, a weekly newspaper that provided objective, positive, and comprehensive coverage of the Civil Rights Movement. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Remarks, Acceptance of Certificates, circa 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Four certificates were awarded to members of the family, including the mother, aunt, and two brothers. The mother, Julia Gibson, was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, and her activism inspired her son John Gibson and Julian Bond to create a program to educate the Black community about the "Student Movement." John, along with Julian and Carl Holman, started the Atlanta Enquirer, a weekly newspaper that provided objective, positive, and comprehensive coverage of the Civil Rights Movement. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An Interfaith religious service held at the Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Civil Rights Movement with a litany. As well, there was a commemorative event to unveil the bust of Kasturbai Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi. Featured figures in the event: Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter, Rev Dr. Beletia Marvray Diamond, Dr. Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Martin Luther King III. The commemorative event was called the Millennium Service and the Atlanta Student Movement litany is featured on page 23. 26 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Morehouse College Millennium Service, circa 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Description
An Interfaith religious service held at the Martin Luther King Jr International Chapel to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Civil Rights Movement with a litany. As well, there was a commemorative event to unveil the bust of Kasturbai Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi. Featured figures in the event: Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter, Rev Dr. Beletia Marvray Diamond, Dr. Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Martin Luther King III. The commemorative event was called the Millennium Service and the Atlanta Student Movement litany is featured on page 23. 26 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special eventss, African Americans--Religion
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
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 meeting reminder for the Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee on December 2, 1999, at the Kilgore Center on Morehouse College's campus. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Meeting for Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee, December 6,199
Date Created
1999-12-09
Description
A meeting reminder for the Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee on December 2, 1999, at the Kilgore Center on Morehouse College's campus. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Planning Committee meeting was held on December 4, 1999, to discuss the progress made on the drafting of a Commemorative Event and program. The committee proposed a three-day schedule of events to mobilize the nation again around a serious movement. The Drafting Committee suggested that the Atlanta celebration could be the impetus for the mobilization of veterans of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The committee suggested having a march from the A.U. Center to the Martin Luther King Center or Auburn Avenue. Additionally, there was a discussion of workshops on the campuses during the time of the Commemorative event. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Planning Committee Minutes COAHR 40th Anniversary, December 4,1999
Date Created
1999-12-04
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The Planning Committee meeting was held on December 4, 1999, to discuss the progress made on the drafting of a Commemorative Event and program. The committee proposed a three-day schedule of events to mobilize the nation again around a serious movement. The Drafting Committee suggested that the Atlanta celebration could be the impetus for the mobilization of veterans of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The committee suggested having a march from the A.U. Center to the Martin Luther King Center or Auburn Avenue. Additionally, there was a discussion of workshops on the campuses during the time of the Commemorative event. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events, Speeches
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda, memorandum, and correspondence letter surrounding the 40th-year commemoration of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. The Committee on Appeal for Human Rights held a planning session for its 40th anniversary, discussing various proposals including staffing considerations, proposed activities, an Atlanta Inquirer proposal, an oral history project, and a commemorative monument, as well as resources needed such as staffing, funds, and support from the City of Atlanta and County, and established a schedule of future meetings. In a letter from Johnny E. Parham, Jr. to Lonnie King regarding the fortieth anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement, it is suggested that the City of Atlanta pay tribute to past participants and present them with keys to the city and state and that a follow-up report titled "A Look at Atlanta, Forty Years Later" be compiled by the AU Center as a student project and presented during the anniversary. The letter discusses plans for commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Student Movement, including a freedom run to generate funds for scholarships, a day of workshops, and a banquet to honor supporters, with the Atlanta Inquirer chronicling the journey of the movement and highlighting participants and their contributions. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Session Agenda, September 30, 1999
Date Created
1999-09-30
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda, memorandum, and correspondence letter surrounding the 40th-year commemoration of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. The Committee on Appeal for Human Rights held a planning session for its 40th anniversary, discussing various proposals including staffing considerations, proposed activities, an Atlanta Inquirer proposal, an oral history project, and a commemorative monument, as well as resources needed such as staffing, funds, and support from the City of Atlanta and County, and established a schedule of future meetings. In a letter from Johnny E. Parham, Jr. to Lonnie King regarding the fortieth anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement, it is suggested that the City of Atlanta pay tribute to past participants and present them with keys to the city and state and that a follow-up report titled "A Look at Atlanta, Forty Years Later" be compiled by the AU Center as a student project and presented during the anniversary. The letter discusses plans for commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Student Movement, including a freedom run to generate funds for scholarships, a day of workshops, and a banquet to honor supporters, with the Atlanta Inquirer chronicling the journey of the movement and highlighting participants and their contributions. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An invitation letter for the 40th year commemoration of the Student Movement being held in the Kilgore Center at Morehouse College on September 30, 1999, written by Chief Judge A.L. Thompson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
State Court of Fulton County (COAHR 40th Anniversary) Invitation, September 13, 1999
Date Created
1999-09-13
Description
An invitation letter for the 40th year commemoration of the Student Movement being held in the Kilgore Center at Morehouse College on September 30, 1999, written by Chief Judge A.L. Thompson. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism