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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  • Decade = 1960-1969
This document is an SNCC Newsletter Vol. No 2 was published in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 6th, 1967. In this issue of the SNCC Newsletter, the front page topic is about the postmaster of Atlanta destroying a sack of SNCC mail. Later in the newsletter, SNCC talks about the ongoing protest against the Vietnam War, a racially driven war by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Other topics in the newsletter are reports of an art festival in Ohio, Texas Southern University, Anti-Apartheid Activism, "Ed Brooke-A Black Man Without A Cause," The Milk Industry, Stop & Frisk Policies, other reports from Chicago and other SNCC chapters, conscientious objection from Morehouse students, news from Mississippi, and the American struggle against Communism. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Newsletter, vol. 1, no. 2, April 6, 1967
Date Created
1967-04-06
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document is an SNCC Newsletter Vol. No 2 was published in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 6th, 1967. In this issue of the SNCC Newsletter, the front page topic is about the postmaster of Atlanta destroying a sack of SNCC mail. Later in the newsletter, SNCC talks about the ongoing protest against the Vietnam War, a racially driven war by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Other topics in the newsletter are reports of an art festival in Ohio, Texas Southern University, Anti-Apartheid Activism, "Ed Brooke-A Black Man Without A Cause," The Milk Industry, Stop & Frisk Policies, other reports from Chicago and other SNCC chapters, conscientious objection from Morehouse students, news from Mississippi, and the American struggle against Communism. 8 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
Get-well letter from Bob and the Southwest Georgia Project to Ruby Doris Smith. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Bob, April 3, 1967
Date Created
1967-04-03
Description
Get-well letter from Bob and the Southwest Georgia Project 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
This letter is from Fay. D Bellamy explains the existence of a staff coordinating committee and central committee within SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). The notice emphasizes clarity and adherence to procedures to avoid confusion. It expresses the importance of focusing on program-related discussions and moving SNCC forward rather than engaging in irrelevant matters. The sender requests everyone's cooperation and assistance for a successful meeting and encourages questions to be addressed through written correspondence. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Coordinating Committee List, March 22, 1967
Date Created
1967-03-22
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This letter is from Fay. D Bellamy explains the existence of a staff coordinating committee and central committee within SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). The notice emphasizes clarity and adherence to procedures to avoid confusion. It expresses the importance of focusing on program-related discussions and moving SNCC forward rather than engaging in irrelevant matters. The sender requests everyone's cooperation and assistance for a successful meeting and encourages questions to be addressed through written correspondence. 2 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 a memo from Stokely Carmichael requesting all project directors and office directors to submit itemized budgets for the fiscal year 1967-1968, including funds from sources other than Atlanta. Additionally, project directors are instructed to submit names of staff members and individuals who should be allowed to attend the staff meeting, with the first few days restricted to staff members only and the last two days open to all other workers. The memo is signed by Stokely Carmichael. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Staff Letter From Stokely Carmichael, March 20, 1967
Date Created
1967-03-20
Author
Carmichael, Stokely
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document is a memo from Stokely Carmichael requesting all project directors and office directors to submit itemized budgets for the fiscal year 1967-1968, including funds from sources other than Atlanta. Additionally, project directors are instructed to submit names of staff members and individuals who should be allowed to attend the staff meeting, with the first few days restricted to staff members only and the last two days open to all other workers. The memo is signed by Stokely Carmichael. 1 page.
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 list of the publications that were available for purchase from SNCC and published by The Student Voice and SNCC. All proceeds were given to SNCC. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Publication Catalog, March 17, 1967
Date Created
1967-03-17
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document list of the publications that were available for purchase from SNCC and published by The Student Voice and SNCC. All proceeds were given to SNCC. 1 page.
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 from Len Holt to Ruby Doris Smith to get well and discuss Black experiences in the U.S and Puerto Rico. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Len Holt, March 12, 1967
Date Created
1967-03-12
Author
Holt, Len
Description
Correspondence from Len Holt to Ruby Doris Smith to get well and discuss Black experiences in the U.S and Puerto Rico. 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
This newsletter is the first issue of the SNCC Newsletter from the Communication Department. The first issue provides summarizations of various reports and meetings that were facilitated by SNCC and its members. The newsletter discusses meetings that were held in the Bahamas, a town meeting in Chicago, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, New York, and Mississippi. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Newsletter, vol. 1, no. 1, March 15, 1967
Date Created
1967-03-12
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This newsletter is the first issue of the SNCC Newsletter from the Communication Department. The first issue provides summarizations of various reports and meetings that were facilitated by SNCC and its members. The newsletter discusses meetings that were held in the Bahamas, a town meeting in Chicago, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, New York, and Mississippi. 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
Letter from Stokely Carmichael, Freddie Green, Cleveland Sellers, John Buffington, Shirley Wright, James Forman, Bob Smith, Stanley Wise, Willie Ricks, Fred Meely, and Jennifer Lawson to the Atlanta Project of the Student Nonviolent Committee. The letter outlines the Atlanta Project's failure to meet program expectations, and removes the Atlanta Project from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to the Atlanta Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee From the Central Committee, March 7, 1967
Date Created
1967-03-07
Creator
Central Committee
Description
Letter from Stokely Carmichael, Freddie Green, Cleveland Sellers, John Buffington, Shirley Wright, James Forman, Bob Smith, Stanley Wise, Willie Ricks, Fred Meely, and Jennifer Lawson to the Atlanta Project of the Student Nonviolent Committee. The letter outlines the Atlanta Project's failure to meet program expectations, and removes the Atlanta Project from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. 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
This update from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) provides information about seven SNCC workers the federal government indicted. The indictments stem from a demonstration on August 17, 1966, where young Black protesters picketed the 12th Army headquarters in Atlanta to protest the Vietnam War and the high percentage of Black men being drafted. The protesters faced harassment and arrests during the demonstration; some were charged with assaulting officers. While serving their three-month sentences, they experienced mistreatment and segregation in prison. After filing lawsuits against the city of Atlanta, the prisoners were released, but one member, Johnny Wilson, was sentenced to three years on a Georgia chain gang. The seven indicted workers now face charges of injuring government property and interfering with the Universal Military Training and Service Act. The update appeals for bail money and funds for legal costs to support these young people. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Seven SNCC Workers Indicted", March 7, 1967
Date Created
1967-03-07
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This update from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) provides information about seven SNCC workers the federal government indicted. The indictments stem from a demonstration on August 17, 1966, where young Black protesters picketed the 12th Army headquarters in Atlanta to protest the Vietnam War and the high percentage of Black men being drafted. The protesters faced harassment and arrests during the demonstration; some were charged with assaulting officers. While serving their three-month sentences, they experienced mistreatment and segregation in prison. After filing lawsuits against the city of Atlanta, the prisoners were released, but one member, Johnny Wilson, was sentenced to three years on a Georgia chain gang. The seven indicted workers now face charges of injuring government property and interfering with the Universal Military Training and Service Act. The update appeals for bail money and funds for legal costs to support these young people. 2 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
Letter from Howard Moore Jr. of Ward, Moore and Alexander law offices to Ruby Doris asking her to complete a series of questions an return them to him. Questions are unidentified. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson From Howard Moore, February 28, 1967
Date Created
1967-02-28
Author
Moore, Howard
Description
Letter from Howard Moore Jr. of Ward, Moore and Alexander law offices to Ruby Doris asking her to complete a series of questions an return them to him. Questions are unidentified. 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
Correspondence from Julian Bond at the House of Representatives Atlanta office to Ruby Doris Smith at Beth Israel Hospital. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Julian Bond, February 16, 1967
Date Created
1967-02-16
Author
Bond, Julian, 1940-2015
Description
Correspondence from Julian Bond at the House of Representatives Atlanta office to Ruby Doris Smith at Beth Israel Hospital. 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
A paper written by James Forman, an Organizational Secretary. Forman divides the paper into four sections: "Toward a Definition of power for Us, the Powerless", "The Political Organizer is a Leader", "Three Qualities of a good organizer", and "Seven Steps a political organizer must take if he is to be effective". Forman illustrates the fundamental qualities of what he believes to be a leader and organizer of a political movement. He mentions that a good organizer is a well-rounded individual that demonstrates effectiveness and awareness of situations. Forman uses this paper for an SNCC workshop. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Basic Steps Toward Becoming a Good Political Organizer by James Forman, February 1967
Date Created
1967-02
Author
Forman, James
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
A paper written by James Forman, an Organizational Secretary. Forman divides the paper into four sections: "Toward a Definition of power for Us, the Powerless", "The Political Organizer is a Leader", "Three Qualities of a good organizer", and "Seven Steps a political organizer must take if he is to be effective". Forman illustrates the fundamental qualities of what he believes to be a leader and organizer of a political movement. He mentions that a good organizer is a well-rounded individual that demonstrates effectiveness and awareness of situations. Forman uses this paper for an SNCC workshop. 13 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 provides an overview of an Economic Workshop held by SNCC in February 1967, with a focus on addressing the economic conditions of the black community. The workshop emphasizes the importance of economic freedom alongside the political aspects of community organizing. It proposes the establishment of small cooperatives and credit unions as a means to improve the economic situation of black people in rural South and northern ghettos. The suggested plan is intended to serve as a foundation and guide for programs aimed at achieving economic and political freedom. The workshop coordinator is John Buffington. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Economic Workshop Summary, February 1967
Date Created
1967-02
Author
Buffington, John
Description
This document provides an overview of an Economic Workshop held by SNCC in February 1967, with a focus on addressing the economic conditions of the black community. The workshop emphasizes the importance of economic freedom alongside the political aspects of community organizing. It proposes the establishment of small cooperatives and credit unions as a means to improve the economic situation of black people in rural South and northern ghettos. The suggested plan is intended to serve as a foundation and guide for programs aimed at achieving economic and political freedom. The workshop coordinator is John Buffington. 2 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 from Benjamin D. Brown from the House of Representatives Atlanta House Chamber, sending well wishes to Ruby Doris Smith. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Benjamin Brown, January 30, 1967
Date Created
1967-01-30
Author
Brown, Benjamin
Description
Correspondence from Benjamin D. Brown from the House of Representatives Atlanta House Chamber, sending well wishes 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
Resolution from the State of Georgia House of Representatives on the designation of National Negro History Week. The resolution states that February 12-18 was assigned to be National Negro History Week and was an effort to promote the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Negro History Week Resolution, January 20, 1967
Date Created
1967-01-20
Description
Resolution from the State of Georgia House of Representatives on the designation of National Negro History Week. The resolution states that February 12-18 was assigned to be National Negro History Week and was an effort to promote the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African Americans--Education, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Telegram from Lester McKinnie and the Washington Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Office sending well wishes. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Telegram to Ruby Doris Smith From Lester McKinnie, January 20, 1967
Date Created
1967-01-20
Description
Telegram from Lester McKinnie and the Washington Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Office sending well wishes. 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
Get-well telegram from William Porter and the office staff of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson at the Beth Israel Hospital. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Telegram to Ruby Doris From Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, January 13, 1967
Date Created
1967-01-13
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
Get-well telegram from William Porter and the office staff of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson at the Beth Israel Hospital. 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
Correspondence from Claudia Hillman to Ruby Doris Smith about Hillman's decision to stay or leave the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Claudia Hillman, January 9, 1967
Date Created
1967-01-09
Author
Hillman, Claudia
Description
Correspondence from Claudia Hillman to Ruby Doris Smith about Hillman's decision to stay or leave the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. 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
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