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.
79 Objects displayed
AllCollectionsObjects
  1. Browse Repository
  2. Archival Collections
  3. Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
For:
  • Series = Ruby Doris Smith Robinson
An excerpt of the Spelman College's centennial year celebration keynote speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in dedication to Ruby D. Smith Robinson. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, in a keynote speech at Spelman's Centennial Dinner in 1981, reflects on her connection to the college and its impact on her life. She discusses the historical struggles and sacrifices early Spelman students faced and the resilience and determination they instilled in her. She also highlights the influential role of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a fellow Spelman alumna, in the civil rights movement and her unwavering commitment to the cause. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully", Speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, April 1981
Date Created
1981-04
Author
Hunter-Gault, Charlayne
Description
An excerpt of the Spelman College's centennial year celebration keynote speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in dedication to Ruby D. Smith Robinson. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, in a keynote speech at Spelman's Centennial Dinner in 1981, reflects on her connection to the college and its impact on her life. She discusses the historical struggles and sacrifices early Spelman students faced and the resilience and determination they instilled in her. She also highlights the influential role of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a fellow Spelman alumna, in the civil rights movement and her unwavering commitment to the cause. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges, College publications, College student newspapers and periodicals
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Culture Historian at the Smithsonian Institution to Alice Smith, Ruby's mother. The letter discusses Dr. Johnson Reagon's article about Ruby Doris Smith, and her plans to write a book on Ruby. 10 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Alice Smith From Bernice Johnson Reagon, May 25, 1979
Date Created
1979-05-25
Author
Reagon, Bernice Johnson, 1942-
Description
Correspondence from Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Culture Historian at the Smithsonian Institution to Alice Smith, Ruby's mother. The letter discusses Dr. Johnson Reagon's article about Ruby Doris Smith, and her plans to write a book on Ruby. 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
Ruby D. Smith dedication by Carolyn Long Banks. Banks describes Smith as the fundamental person in the Atlanta Movement, and she kept the movement together through her organized leadership. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Tribute by Carolyn Long Banks, circa 1980
Date Created
1978/1982
Author
Banks, Carolyn Long
Description
Ruby D. Smith dedication by Carolyn Long Banks. Banks describes Smith as the fundamental person in the Atlanta Movement, and she kept the movement together through her organized leadership. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The passage discusses Spelman College's traditions and emphasizes the importance of certain "heartbeat" traditions, including striving for excellence, promoting gender equality, and fighting injustice. The author cites the example of the college's founders who fought against the injustices faced by Black women and established the institution to address these issues. The author also mentions some Spelman graduates who founded organizations to help their communities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Spelman Founders Day Address, circa 1980
Date Created
1978/1982
Description
The passage discusses Spelman College's traditions and emphasizes the importance of certain "heartbeat" traditions, including striving for excellence, promoting gender equality, and fighting injustice. The author cites the example of the college's founders who fought against the injustices faced by Black women and established the institution to address these issues. The author also mentions some Spelman graduates who founded organizations to help their communities. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Vincent Fort to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson asking to complete an interview release form. The interview was about the Atlanta sit-in movement. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson From Vincent Fort, circa 1979
Date Created
1978/1980
Author
Fort, Vincent
Description
Correspondence from Vincent Fort to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson asking to complete an interview release form. The interview was about the Atlanta sit-in movement. 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
Interview in The Black Scholar with Kathleen Cleaver by Sister Julie Herve, daughter of Richard Wright. Cleaver discusses Ruby Doris' commitment and struggles in the student movement. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Scholar Interviews Kathleen Cleaver", December 1971
Date Created
1971-12
Description
Interview in The Black Scholar with Kathleen Cleaver by Sister Julie Herve, daughter of Richard Wright. Cleaver discusses Ruby Doris' commitment and struggles in the student movement. 5 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 The Black Panther in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"SNCC Veteran Dies, Ruby Doris Robinson", November 23, 1967
Date Created
1967-11-23
Description
Article in The Black Panther in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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
Article in Jet Magazine in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Rare Blood Disease Fatal To a Founder of SNCC", October 26, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-26
Description
Article in Jet Magazine in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 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
Article in The Flatlands in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"In Memory of a Sister", October 18, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-18
Description
Article in The Flatlands in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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
Article in the Atlanta Voice in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Mrs. Ruby Doris Robinson Dies, Funeral Saturday", October 15, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-15
Description
Article in the Atlanta Voice in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson at West Mitchell C. M. E. Church. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson, October 14, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-14
Description
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson at West Mitchell C. M. E. Church. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article in Atlanta Daily World in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Funeral Rites for Former SNCC Executive Secretary", October 14, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-14
Description
Article in Atlanta Daily World in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 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
Cemetery record card from South View Cemetery in memory of Ruby Doris Smith. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Cemetery Record Card, October 14, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-14
Description
Cemetery record card from South View Cemetery in memory of Ruby Doris Smith. 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
Article in the Atlanta Inquirer in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Final Rites Set for 'Ruby Doris'", October 14, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-14
Description
Article in the Atlanta Inquirer in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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
Funeral notice in the Atlanta Constitution for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Funeral Notice for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, October 13, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-13
Description
Funeral notice in the Atlanta Constitution for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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
Article in the Atlanta Constitution in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee's Ruby Robinson Rites Will Be Saturday", October 11, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-11
Description
Article in the Atlanta Constitution in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 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
Letter from Dr. Quentin Young on behalf of the Medical Committee for Human Rights to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to express sympathy for Ruby Doris' passing. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee From the Medical Committee for Human Rights, October 10, 1
Date Created
1967-10-10
Creator
Medical Committee for Human Rights
Description
Letter from Dr. Quentin Young on behalf of the Medical Committee for Human Rights to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to express sympathy for Ruby Doris' passing. 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
Article in the New York Times in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Ruby Robinson, 26, A SNCC Founder", October 10, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-10
Description
Article in the New York Times in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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
Sympathy telegrams sent to the Robinson family on the death of Ruby D. Smith Robinson. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sympathy Telegrams, October 1967
Date Created
1967-10
Description
Sympathy telegrams sent to the Robinson family on the death of Ruby D. Smith Robinson. 13 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Newsletter in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Another Warrior Gone", September October 1967
Date Created
1967-10
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Commitee
Description
Article in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Newsletter in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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