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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Article in the Journal of Women's History, "Black Women Activists and The Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee: The Case of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 19 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Women Activists and The Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee", 1993
Date Created
1993
Author
Fleming, Cynthia G., 1949-
Description
Article in the Journal of Women's History, "Black Women Activists and The Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee: The Case of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 19 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
Spelman Convocation Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, September 12, 1991 with opening remarks by Tiffany Patterson and the main address by Dr. Cynthia Fleming. Convocation was part of the Living and Learning Program in the Fall Semester of 1991-92. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Spelman Convocation Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, September 12, 1991
Date Created
1991-09-12
Description
Spelman Convocation Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, September 12, 1991 with opening remarks by Tiffany Patterson and the main address by Dr. Cynthia Fleming. Convocation was part of the Living and Learning Program in the Fall Semester of 1991-92. 4 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
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91. A thank you letter to Ann Smith for her speech and participation in the 30th anniversary of COAHR. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Thank you letter to Dr. Mary Ann Smith From Tschnavia Williams, February 6, 1991
Date Created
1991-02-06
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91. A thank you letter to Ann Smith for her speech and participation in the 30th anniversary of COAHR. 9 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
An article written by Stephen J. Goldfrab. This article discusses the civil rights movement in Greensboro, N.C. during the 1960s. The city had a paradoxical nature, being both racially moderate and having segregated public facilities and employment. The author of the article, Stephen J. Goldfrab, uses interviews to tell the story of the sit-ins and demonstrations that led to desegregation in Greensboro, but neglects to discuss the role of voting in the civil rights movement. The author refers to Historian William H. Chafes to give context about Greensboro, N.C. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Greensboro, City of Racial Paradoxes", by Stephen J. Goldfarb, circa 1993
Date Created
1990/1996
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An article written by Stephen J. Goldfrab. This article discusses the civil rights movement in Greensboro, N.C. during the 1960s. The city had a paradoxical nature, being both racially moderate and having segregated public facilities and employment. The author of the article, Stephen J. Goldfrab, uses interviews to tell the story of the sit-ins and demonstrations that led to desegregation in Greensboro, but neglects to discuss the role of voting in the civil rights movement. The author refers to Historian William H. Chafes to give context about Greensboro, N.C. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Elaine Williams, special collections assistant at Robert Woodruff Library to Toure Robinson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's son about growing the Ruby Doris Smith Collection at the library. Attached is a copy of the article written by Williams and sent to Mary Ann Smith about Ruby Doris. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Toure Robinson From Elaine Williams, November 30, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-30
Author
Williams, Elaine
Description
Correspondence from Elaine Williams, special collections assistant at Robert Woodruff Library to Toure Robinson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's son about growing the Ruby Doris Smith Collection at the library. Attached is a copy of the article written by Williams and sent to Mary Ann Smith about Ruby Doris. 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
A group of Atlanta Student movement participants stands while holding Certificates of Merit signed by Mayor Maynard Jackson. Featured Figures: Mary Ann Smith Wilson-front row, Lonnie -second row, Julian Bond-second row, and Clark Atlanta University President Thomas W. Cole-second row.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Student Movement 30th Anniversary Event, November 10, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-10
Description
A group of Atlanta Student movement participants stands while holding Certificates of Merit signed by Mayor Maynard Jackson. Featured Figures: Mary Ann Smith Wilson-front row, Lonnie -second row, Julian Bond-second row, and Clark Atlanta University President Thomas W. Cole-second row.
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
Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson was invited to serve as a panelist at the Symposium on the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Civil Rights Movement on November 10, 1990, as part of a two-day celebration recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta Movement. The Symposium was held in Davage Auditorium, located in Haven-Warren Hall, on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, and discussed six themes, including politics, leadership, legal/criminal justice, women, education, and economics. Panelists are asked to meet for a panel discussion moderated by Julian Bond following the presentations. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From Planning Committee, October 2, 1990
Date Created
1990-10-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson was invited to serve as a panelist at the Symposium on the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Civil Rights Movement on November 10, 1990, as part of a two-day celebration recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta Movement. The Symposium was held in Davage Auditorium, located in Haven-Warren Hall, on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, and discussed six themes, including politics, leadership, legal/criminal justice, women, education, and economics. Panelists are asked to meet for a panel discussion moderated by Julian Bond following the presentations. 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
An invitation booklet for the commemoration event of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event, RSVP and Donation Card, October 1990
Date Created
1990-10
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An invitation booklet for the commemoration event of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights 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
An image reenacting a sit-in protest in Greensboro, North Carolina at Woolworth's lunch counter. This reenactment was in commemoration of it's 30th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. Highlighted figures: Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Historic Civil Rights Moment Relived", February 2, 1990
Date Created
1990-02-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An image reenacting a sit-in protest in Greensboro, North Carolina at Woolworth's lunch counter. This reenactment was in commemoration of it's 30th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. Highlighted figures: Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American civil rights worker, African Americans--Segregation
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Cynthia Fleming at the University of Tennessee to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson attaching snippets of books that mention Ruby Doris Smith. 6 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Mary Ann Smith Wilson From Cynthia Fleming, January 17, 1990
Date Created
1990-01-17
Author
Fleming, Cynthia G., 1949-
Description
Correspondence from Cynthia Fleming at the University of Tennessee to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson attaching snippets of books that mention Ruby Doris Smith. 6 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 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
Tribute presentation notes about Ruby Doris Smith by sister Catherine Robinson, addressed to Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology, and her organization Save Our Children Global Network. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Tribute to Ruby Doris Smith by Catherine Smith Robinson, circa 1989
Date Created
1988/1990
Description
Tribute presentation notes about Ruby Doris Smith by sister Catherine Robinson, addressed to Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology, and her organization Save Our Children Global Network. 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
Tributes in Sage's student supplement issue by co-editors Deborah Parms and Jennifer Freeman. A personal tribute by Susan D. Mitchell, and the article "A 'Heartbeat' for Liberation: The Reclamation of Ruby Doris Smith" by Jacqueline Jones Royster. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Tributes to Ruby Doris Smith in SAGE, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Tributes in Sage's student supplement issue by co-editors Deborah Parms and Jennifer Freeman. A personal tribute by Susan D. Mitchell, and the article "A 'Heartbeat' for Liberation: The Reclamation of Ruby Doris Smith" by Jacqueline Jones Royster. 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
Readers Digest "Personal Glimpses" article where Charlayne Hunter-Gault recalls Ruby Doris Smith's student activism, and her quote "Don't forget why you're here." 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Personal Glimpses", September 1987
Date Created
1987-09
Description
Readers Digest "Personal Glimpses" article where Charlayne Hunter-Gault recalls Ruby Doris Smith's student activism, and her quote "Don't forget why you're here." 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
"Black Women Achievements Against The Odds", a calendar for 1984-86. Ruby Doris Smith is highlighted in March 1985 as a leading Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Women Achievements Against The Odds" Calendar, circa 1983
Date Created
1982/1985
Description
"Black Women Achievements Against The Odds", a calendar for 1984-86. Ruby Doris Smith is highlighted in March 1985 as a leading Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 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
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully" excerpts from the keynote speech of Charlayne Hunter-Gault at the Centennial Dinner, April 9, 1981 in the Spelman Messenger 1981 Celebration Issue. Hunter-Gault discusses Ruby Doris's story, and impact on her personal life. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully", April 9, 1981
Date Created
1981-04-09
Description
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully" excerpts from the keynote speech of Charlayne Hunter-Gault at the Centennial Dinner, April 9, 1981 in the Spelman Messenger 1981 Celebration Issue. Hunter-Gault discusses Ruby Doris's story, and impact on her personal life. 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
Articles in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Intown Extra about the Atlanta student movement, desegregation, An Appeal for Human Rights, sit-ins, and key figures. Figures highlighted include Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Lonnie C. King, Ben Brown, and Julian Bond. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Journal Constitution Intown Extra, February 21, 1980
Date Created
1980-02-21
Description
Articles in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Intown Extra about the Atlanta student movement, desegregation, An Appeal for Human Rights, sit-ins, and key figures. Figures highlighted include Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Lonnie C. King, Ben Brown, and Julian Bond. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Civil Rights movements
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
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