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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Southern Project, USNSA's first newsletter on the student movement. The newsletter provides national coverage of sit-ins and other student demonstrations. It lists sources of information about sit-ins and fundraising efforts as well as organizations, colleges, and individuals that support the student movement. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Southern Project USNSA Newsletter, 1960
Date Created
1960
Description
Southern Project, USNSA's first newsletter on the student movement. The newsletter provides national coverage of sit-ins and other student demonstrations. It lists sources of information about sit-ins and fundraising efforts as well as organizations, colleges, and individuals that support the student movement. 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 document covers the widespread civil rights demonstrations on Election Day, organized by students across the United States. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the urgent need for adequate civil rights guarantees. Hundreds of sign-carrying students participated in the Chicago demonstration, which reminded both political parties about the importance of racial equality. The protests were initiated in response to a call from the Atlanta conference of student sit-in leaders, sponsored by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Students marched in various cities, including New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh, demanding executive orders to support embattled African Americans, end discrimination in federally supported housing, and ensure the right to vote for all citizens. The demonstrations highlighted that the fight for civil rights transcends party lines, and students emphasized their commitment to the year-round battle against racial discrimination. The text emphasizes the significance of these demonstrations, showcasing the immense support for the civil rights movement among Northern students, and emphasizes the need for continuous and coordinated activism to achieve lasting change. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Student Voice", 1960
Date Created
1960
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document covers the widespread civil rights demonstrations on Election Day, organized by students across the United States. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the urgent need for adequate civil rights guarantees. Hundreds of sign-carrying students participated in the Chicago demonstration, which reminded both political parties about the importance of racial equality. The protests were initiated in response to a call from the Atlanta conference of student sit-in leaders, sponsored by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Students marched in various cities, including New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh, demanding executive orders to support embattled African Americans, end discrimination in federally supported housing, and ensure the right to vote for all citizens. The demonstrations highlighted that the fight for civil rights transcends party lines, and students emphasized their commitment to the year-round battle against racial discrimination. The text emphasizes the significance of these demonstrations, showcasing the immense support for the civil rights movement among Northern students, and emphasizes the need for continuous and coordinated activism to achieve lasting change. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students, Political participation, Suffrage
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith at Spelman College, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1963
Description
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
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
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Description
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
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 stands in the snow next to a car with another young woman.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Description
Ruby D. Smith stands in the snow next to a car with another young woman.
Subject
African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King marking the recent student movement's epitaph as an example of student and community. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King marking the recent student movement's epitaph as an example of student and community. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Voting, Political participation, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
M. Carl Holman discusses the civil service system's unfair treatment of qualified Black Americans and emphasizes the importance of preparation and education for job opportunities. The author highlights the high number of Black college students failing civil service exams, which he believes results from apathy among students, teachers, and administrators. The author urges everyone to recognize the problem and take action. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Who Else Flunked The Gov't Exams?", by M. Carl Holman, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Author
Holman, Moses C., 1919-1988
Description
M. Carl Holman discusses the civil service system's unfair treatment of qualified Black Americans and emphasizes the importance of preparation and education for job opportunities. The author highlights the high number of Black college students failing civil service exams, which he believes results from apathy among students, teachers, and administrators. The author urges everyone to recognize the problem and take action. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King about the current efforts of the Atlanta Student Movement, and a call to continue to refuse to fund businesses that are segregated. King also writes about what the student movement needs, and how readers can get involved. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King about the current efforts of the Atlanta Student Movement, and a call to continue to refuse to fund businesses that are segregated. King also writes about what the student movement needs, and how readers can get involved. 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
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Appeal for Human Rights Draft, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1961
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An Official State photo features Ruby D. Smith as she stands with Governor Carl E. Sanders and a group.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith With Governor Carl E. Sanders, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1963
Author
Sanders, Carl E., 1925-2014
Description
An Official State photo features Ruby D. Smith as she stands with Governor Carl E. Sanders and a group.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American women, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A survey for individuals who participated in recent sit-ins, asking demographic information, along with attitudes and reactions about the demonstrations. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"For Those Who Participated in Sit In Action", circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Description
A survey for individuals who participated in recent sit-ins, asking demographic information, along with attitudes and reactions about the demonstrations. 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 Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) poster depicting students in a crowd with arms extended and clapping.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee "Now!" Poster, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
A Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) poster depicting students in a crowd with arms extended and clapping.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Statement by unidentified person about the American experience, and American nationalism titled "Do You Even Think�" 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Do You Ever Think", circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Description
Statement by unidentified person about the American experience, and American nationalism titled "Do You Even Think�" 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
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Press Release Statement titled "Khrushchev in Atlanta?" denouncing Nikita Khrushchev's recent behavior, as well as Governor Samuel Ernest Vandiver Jr. for his proposal to stop student marches. The statement clarifies COAHR and the demonstration's purposes. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Khrushchev in Atlanta?", circa 1959
Date Created
1958/1962
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Press Release Statement titled "Khrushchev in Atlanta?" denouncing Nikita Khrushchev's recent behavior, as well as Governor Samuel Ernest Vandiver Jr. for his proposal to stop student marches. The statement clarifies COAHR and the demonstration's purposes. 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
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes titled "Plan of Operation." Notes show field area assignments for student demonstrations. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes titled "Plan of Operation." Notes show field area assignments for student demonstrations. 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
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights third committee meeting agenda. This early meeting shows the new adoption of an agenda. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Agenda, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights third committee meeting agenda. This early meeting shows the new adoption of an agenda. 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
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes on committee affairs. Notes on "Jail not Bail" and student commitments. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes on committee affairs. Notes on "Jail not Bail" and student commitments. 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
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meetings notes and needs from various members. Franklin Simon, A.D. King, Bernard Lee, L.C King, Reverend Boone. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meetings notes and needs from various members. Franklin Simon, A.D. King, Bernard Lee, L.C King, Reverend Boone. 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 to Committee on Appeal from Human Rights from Interdenominational Theological Center confirming the school's representatives. The names Fred C. Bennett Jr. as a delegate and Nathanial McKeith and E.F. Frazier as alternates. The names were written on the request document. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights From Interdenominational Theological Center, circa
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Bennette, Jr., Fred C.
Creator
Atlanta Student Movement
Description
Correspondence to Committee on Appeal from Human Rights from Interdenominational Theological Center confirming the school's representatives. The names Fred C. Bennett Jr. as a delegate and Nathanial McKeith and E.F. Frazier as alternates. The names were written on the request document. 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 to Lonnie King and the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights from William Hixon, student body president at Morris Brown College. Hixon confirms the names of representatives at Morris Brown College who hold voting power on the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Lonnie King From William S. Hixon, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Hixon, William S.
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Correspondence to Lonnie King and the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights from William Hixon, student body president at Morris Brown College. Hixon confirms the names of representatives at Morris Brown College who hold voting power on the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. 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