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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  • Subjects = African American women
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
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
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin from the Southeastern Regional Office. Bulletin discusses current race relations and progress in school desegregation. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin, Fall 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin from the Southeastern Regional Office. Bulletin discusses current race relations and progress in school desegregation. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
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
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
A get-well letter from a New York Harriet Tubman School student wishing Ruby D. Smith Robinson recovery from her illness. Attached is a letter from teacher Marjorie Klatt introducing the student. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From School Teacher and Student, April 13, 1967
Date Created
1967-04-13
Description
A get-well letter from a New York Harriet Tubman School student wishing Ruby D. Smith Robinson recovery from her illness. Attached is a letter from teacher Marjorie Klatt introducing the student. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American children
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get-well card from Howard Zinn sending warm wishes to Ruby Doris Smith. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get Well Card to Ruby Doris Smith From Howard Zinn, circa 1967
Date Created
1966/1968
Author
Zinn, Howard, 1922-2010
Description
Get-well card from Howard Zinn sending warm wishes to Ruby Doris Smith. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A get-well letter from Paula McCoy to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson describing a recent stamp program and McCoy offering to help Robinson during her illness. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From Paula McCoy, April 27, 1966
Date Created
1966-04-27
Author
McCoy, Paula
Description
A get-well letter from Paula McCoy to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson describing a recent stamp program and McCoy offering to help Robinson during her illness. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A letter from Peggy Hendrix of the House of Representatives describes an enclosed check for session work to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From Peggy Hendrix, February 17, 1966
Date Created
1966-02-17
Author
Hendrix, Peggy
Description
A letter from Peggy Hendrix of the House of Representatives describes an enclosed check for session work to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Epitaph Document for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson for tombstone inscription. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Epitaph Document for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Description
Epitaph Document for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson for tombstone inscription. 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
Ruby D. Smith Robinson is holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson, while he plays with a toy xylophone.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson and Son Kenneth Toure Robinson, circa 1965
Date Created
1964/1966
Description
Ruby D. Smith Robinson is holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson, while he plays with a toy xylophone.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American families
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson smiles and holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson and Son Kenneth Toure Robinson, circa 1965
Date Created
1964/1966
Description
Ruby D. Smith Robinson smiles and holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American families
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Ruby Doris Smith to her mother about being in Conakry, Guinea in West Africa. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter From Ruby Doris Smith to her Mother, circa 1964
Date Created
1962/1966
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
Correspondence from Ruby Doris Smith to her mother about being in Conakry, Guinea in West Africa. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi, to her mother. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Mother From Ruby D. Smith, June 21, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-21
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
Letter from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi, to her mother. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, Race discrimination, African American women, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
To her mother, the letter is from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Mother From Ruby D. Smith, June 10, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-10
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
To her mother, the letter is from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Warren Scott, the Episcopal Chaplain at the Atlanta University Center, inviting Mary Ann Smith to dinner at the Canterbury House. The dinner guests are "members of the Canterbury Association who were in jail, some student movement leaders, and others." 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From Warren Scott, March 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-22
Author
Scott, Warren
Description
Correspondence from Warren Scott, the Episcopal Chaplain at the Atlanta University Center, inviting Mary Ann Smith to dinner at the Canterbury House. The dinner guests are "members of the Canterbury Association who were in jail, some student movement leaders, and others." 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
News article from the Atlanta Inquirer about Ruby D. Smith and other student protestors serving jail time in South Carolina. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Rock Hill Target of Southwide Student Protest", February 11, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Description
News article from the Atlanta Inquirer about Ruby D. Smith and other student protestors serving jail time in South Carolina. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American student movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Freedom Riders, June 2, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Description
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
FIX DESCRIPTION TO MATCH title
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Getting out of Jail, 1961
Date Created
1961
Description
FIX DESCRIPTION TO MATCH title
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism