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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Notes from a meeting concerning public relations. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from a meeting concerning public relations. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A judge in Municipal Court in Atlanta, James Webb, stayed late to hear the cases of 59 African-American students arrested during a sit-in demonstration. He sent 56 of them to Fulton Criminal Court on $300 bonds, while three others who had already made bonds were also bound over. All 59 students made property bonds, but one juvenile stayed in jail. Two white youths were also ordered to spend 30 days in the city stockade for failing to move at a police officer's order after one of them kicked a Negro radio station reporter. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Managers Testify in Sit In Hearings, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A judge in Municipal Court in Atlanta, James Webb, stayed late to hear the cases of 59 African-American students arrested during a sit-in demonstration. He sent 56 of them to Fulton Criminal Court on $300 bonds, while three others who had already made bonds were also bound over. All 59 students made property bonds, but one juvenile stayed in jail. Two white youths were also ordered to spend 30 days in the city stockade for failing to move at a police officer's order after one of them kicked a Negro radio station reporter. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Notes referring to a meeting held by the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes referring to a meeting held by the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This booklet highlights the methodology, philosophy, and some anecdotes of nonviolent protest against racial discrimination and segregation. There are 22 anecdotes about protest and travel with information columns about CORE to aid in nonviolent demonstrations across the country. 16 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Cracking the Color Line, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This booklet highlights the methodology, philosophy, and some anecdotes of nonviolent protest against racial discrimination and segregation. There are 22 anecdotes about protest and travel with information columns about CORE to aid in nonviolent demonstrations across the country. 16 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American neighborhoods, Political participation
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This memo from the Congress of Racial Equality announces the availability of Jim Peck's booklet, "Cracking the Color Line," and requests assistance in distributing it to as many interested individuals as possible. The booklet aims to promote full integration through direct nonviolent action, and CORE seeks support in ensuring its widespread dissemination by ordering it for libraries and schools, securing orders from acquaintances and relevant organizations, and arranging consignment deals with bookstores interested in integration. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE Memo, James R. Robinson, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This memo from the Congress of Racial Equality announces the availability of Jim Peck's booklet, "Cracking the Color Line," and requests assistance in distributing it to as many interested individuals as possible. The booklet aims to promote full integration through direct nonviolent action, and CORE seeks support in ensuring its widespread dissemination by ordering it for libraries and schools, securing orders from acquaintances and relevant organizations, and arranging consignment deals with bookstores interested in integration. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American authors
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A statement about the "Sit-in" protest from the Episcopal Protestant Church: the paper addresses the legal aspects of the protests; it also explores the concept of Christian conscience and civil disobedience, highlighting that while Christian teaching emphasizes obedience to the law, it also recognizes the right to civil disobedience in certain circumstances. The paper concludes by suggesting various positive actions that Church members should take in response to the nationwide impact of the protests. 15 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Protestant Episcopal Church, Authoritative Statement, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Description
A statement about the "Sit-in" protest from the Episcopal Protestant Church: the paper addresses the legal aspects of the protests; it also explores the concept of Christian conscience and civil disobedience, highlighting that while Christian teaching emphasizes obedience to the law, it also recognizes the right to civil disobedience in certain circumstances. The paper concludes by suggesting various positive actions that Church members should take in response to the nationwide impact of the protests. 15 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Groups and organizations, Protest movements, African Americans--Religion, Church history
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In March 1960, Black college students staged a sit-in at segregated lunch counters in downtown Atlanta. Over 50 protesters, including Martin Luther King Jr., were arrested for trespassing and 36 were jailed. The sit-ins were carried out without incident, but the official integration of Atlanta's restaurants did not come for nearly another year. The protests were a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, increasing morale and confidence in the mission of ending segregation. Partial document. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Sit Ins, Circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
In March 1960, Black college students staged a sit-in at segregated lunch counters in downtown Atlanta. Over 50 protesters, including Martin Luther King Jr., were arrested for trespassing and 36 were jailed. The sit-ins were carried out without incident, but the official integration of Atlanta's restaurants did not come for nearly another year. The protests were a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, increasing morale and confidence in the mission of ending segregation. Partial document. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
After a year of sit-ins by African-American students in Atlanta, a settlement had been finally reached between the merchants and the Black students. Negotiations had broken down previously, with local white merchants hostile to any compromise. The incoming president of the Chamber of Commerce, Ivan Allen Jr., played a key role in bringing the chamber into the final peace negotiations. The settlement stipulated that desegregation of lunch counters would follow desegregation of the city's schools that fall. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, How Peace Came on Sit In Front
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
After a year of sit-ins by African-American students in Atlanta, a settlement had been finally reached between the merchants and the Black students. Negotiations had broken down previously, with local white merchants hostile to any compromise. The incoming president of the Chamber of Commerce, Ivan Allen Jr., played a key role in bringing the chamber into the final peace negotiations. The settlement stipulated that desegregation of lunch counters would follow desegregation of the city's schools that fall. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A roster of student activists with scheduled times, school affiliations, and dormitory status. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Student Roster, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A roster of student activists with scheduled times, school affiliations, and dormitory status. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Black leadership created a press-release statement regarding integration through the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. The statement was concerned about lunch counter desegregation and school integration. Featured figures mentioned in the article: Luther King Sr., Luther King Jr, Rev. Otis Moss, Leroy Johnson, and Dr. Rufus E. Celement. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Lunch Counters, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The Black leadership created a press-release statement regarding integration through the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. The statement was concerned about lunch counter desegregation and school integration. Featured figures mentioned in the article: Luther King Sr., Luther King Jr, Rev. Otis Moss, Leroy Johnson, and Dr. Rufus E. Celement. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The city of Atlanta, major merchants, and African American leaders have reached an agreement to desegregate lunch counters and other facilities. The settlement followed negotiations led by a retired lawyer, and it is supported by the African American community to end protests, picketing, and immediate boycotts. However, there is an "if" clause to the agreement, which states that if no school desegregation occurs in the fall, then there will be no lunch counter desegregation at that time. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Store Facilities Reopen, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The city of Atlanta, major merchants, and African American leaders have reached an agreement to desegregate lunch counters and other facilities. The settlement followed negotiations led by a retired lawyer, and it is supported by the African American community to end protests, picketing, and immediate boycotts. However, there is an "if" clause to the agreement, which states that if no school desegregation occurs in the fall, then there will be no lunch counter desegregation at that time. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A poster titled "Don't Buy At Woolworth" calls for Black and White people to have sit-in protests at Woolworth's lunch counters because of the separated counters by race and color. The poster highlights the challenges faced by protesting students, including mass arrests, fines, threats of expulsion, and encounters with racist individuals. It emphasizes the students' motivation to fight against segregation, which deprives African Americans of equal opportunities and dignity, and calls for a boycott of Woolworth stores to pressure the national chain to end racial segregation policies. The document encourages joining CORE to support the picket lines against Jim Crow laws. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Don't Buy At Woolworth", circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
A poster titled "Don't Buy At Woolworth" calls for Black and White people to have sit-in protests at Woolworth's lunch counters because of the separated counters by race and color. The poster highlights the challenges faced by protesting students, including mass arrests, fines, threats of expulsion, and encounters with racist individuals. It emphasizes the students' motivation to fight against segregation, which deprives African Americans of equal opportunities and dignity, and calls for a boycott of Woolworth stores to pressure the national chain to end racial segregation policies. The document encourages joining CORE to support the picket lines against Jim Crow laws. 2 pages.
Subject
Political posters, Civil rights movements, African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document has two articles; one is titled "From Sit-Ins to Sell-Outs. A Call to Action NOW" by Atmore T. Simpson, and the other article is titled "The Truth About the Atlanta Sit-downs and the Role of Martin Luther King" by C.B Williams. Simpson discusses the sell-out by the Black middle-class leadership in Atlanta, comparing it to the betrayal of Judas in the Bible. It criticizes the repeated betrayals by Black leadership and traces this pattern before to the time of Booker T. Washington. The recent sell-out involved an agreement between Black leaders and white merchants to reopen segregated lunch counters and eliminate boycotts and demonstrations. The article urges Black individuals to assert their determination, boycott downtown stores, support genuine leaders, and continue the struggle for freedom. It also highlights the discontent among students and the role of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"From Sit Ins to Sell Outs", circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Simpson, Atmore T.
Description
This document has two articles; one is titled "From Sit-Ins to Sell-Outs. A Call to Action NOW" by Atmore T. Simpson, and the other article is titled "The Truth About the Atlanta Sit-downs and the Role of Martin Luther King" by C.B Williams. Simpson discusses the sell-out by the Black middle-class leadership in Atlanta, comparing it to the betrayal of Judas in the Bible. It criticizes the repeated betrayals by Black leadership and traces this pattern before to the time of Booker T. Washington. The recent sell-out involved an agreement between Black leaders and white merchants to reopen segregated lunch counters and eliminate boycotts and demonstrations. The article urges Black individuals to assert their determination, boycott downtown stores, support genuine leaders, and continue the struggle for freedom. It also highlights the discontent among students and the role of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American pioneers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a report on Student Voice Newsletter, coordinated by Julian and Mark. The document is a transcription of the newsletter project for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Julian presented a report on Student Voice as a long-term program. The main topic of discussion was funding for the program, particularly a project that requires $28,600 for new equipment. Concerns were raised about the cost of mailing and distribution, the need for an editorial page, and the format of S.V. There was a suggestion to contact college editors and put S.V. on a subscription basis. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Report on Student Voice Julian and Mark, circa 1964
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document is a report on Student Voice Newsletter, coordinated by Julian and Mark. The document is a transcription of the newsletter project for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Julian presented a report on Student Voice as a long-term program. The main topic of discussion was funding for the program, particularly a project that requires $28,600 for new equipment. Concerns were raised about the cost of mailing and distribution, the need for an editorial page, and the format of S.V. There was a suggestion to contact college editors and put S.V. on a subscription basis. 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
The national anthem of the Sousou language written in the Federation of Conkary. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Choeur En Langue Nationale Soussou" (National Language Choir in Soussou), circa 1964
Date Created
1958/1962
Description
The national anthem of the Sousou language written in the Federation of Conkary. 3 pages.
Subject
Africa, Islam, Ethnomusicology
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is an award card for Ruby D. Smith. She was a majorette at the first all-star east-west football game. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Frontiers of America Award to Ruby Doris Smith, 1958
Date Created
1958
Description
This is an award card for Ruby D. Smith. She was a majorette at the first all-star east-west football game. 1 page.
Subject
African American pioneers, African American women, Sports
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Press Release Statement titled "Ralph McGill - Atlanta Constitution January 1960 DATELINES: U.S.A and U.S.S.R." The statement discusses the newly developed People's Friendship University of Russia, and COAHR's stance. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Press Release Statement, January 1960
Date Created
1957/1961
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Press Release Statement titled "Ralph McGill - Atlanta Constitution January 1960 DATELINES: U.S.A and U.S.S.R." The statement discusses the newly developed People's Friendship University of Russia, and COAHR's stance. 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 Certificate of Attendance for Ruby Smith at the 10th annual State-wide High School Band Clinic at Fort Valley State College. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Attendance for Ruby Smith, April 1957
Date Created
1957-04
Description
A Certificate of Attendance for Ruby Smith at the 10th annual State-wide High School Band Clinic at Fort Valley State College. 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
A school photo of a young Ruby D. Smith marked with "1951-52."
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith School Days, 1951
Date Created
1951
Description
A school photo of a young Ruby D. Smith marked with "1951-52."
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
A school photo of a young Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith School Days, circa 1952
Date Created
1950/1954
Description
A school photo of a young Ruby D. Smith.
Subject
African American pioneers, African American children
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism