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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The Brisbane Institute was founded in 1984 by Dr. Robert E. Brisbane as a memorial to his work. The institute's mission is to continue Dr. Brisbane's tradition of leadership in political study and activism. Its current programs include a community-based public policy think tank, community support, and development projects, and the Southern Center for Labor Education and Organizing. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Brisbane Institute Pamphlet, COAHR Voices of the Student Movement, 1998
Date Created
1998
Description
The Brisbane Institute was founded in 1984 by Dr. Robert E. Brisbane as a memorial to his work. The institute's mission is to continue Dr. Brisbane's tradition of leadership in political study and activism. Its current programs include a community-based public policy think tank, community support, and development projects, and the Southern Center for Labor Education and Organizing. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American teachers, African American men
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A list of prompted "memory ticklers" or items pertaining to the Atlanta Student Movement. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement Memory Ticklers, 1998
Date Created
1998
Description
A list of prompted "memory ticklers" or items pertaining to the Atlanta Student Movement. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article in Scholastic's "Oh Freedom - Kids Talk About the Civil Rights Movement with the People Who Made it Happen." Kaji Spellman with her mother Karen Spellman who mentions Ruby Doris Smith as her favorite civil rights leader. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Kaji Spellman Interview With Karen Spellman, December 16, 1997
Date Created
1997-12-16
Description
Article in Scholastic's "Oh Freedom - Kids Talk About the Civil Rights Movement with the People Who Made it Happen." Kaji Spellman with her mother Karen Spellman who mentions Ruby Doris Smith as her favorite civil rights leader. 4 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
Meet the Author Flyer for Cynthia Griggs Fleming for her book, "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", books provided by WordsWorth Booksellers. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", circa 1998
Date Created
1996/2000
Description
Meet the Author Flyer for Cynthia Griggs Fleming for her book, "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", books provided by WordsWorth Booksellers. 1 page.
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
Meet the Author Flyer for Cynthia Griggs Fleming for her book "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", books provided by WordsWorth Booksellers. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", circa 1998
Date Created
1996/2000
Description
Meet the Author Flyer for Cynthia Griggs Fleming for her book "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", books provided by WordsWorth Booksellers. 1 page.
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
Book promotion flyer for "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", circa 1998
Date Created
1996/2000
Description
Book promotion flyer for "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 1 page.
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
Correspondence from Jerry Thornberry at the Gilman School to Cynthia Flemming at the University of Tennessee. Thornberry thanks Flemming for her essay on Ruby Doris Smith that he assigned to his Black History Class, and discusses it's effect on his students. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Cynthia Fleming From Jerry Thornberry, April 24, 1994
Date Created
1994-04-21
Author
Thornberry, Jerry
Description
Correspondence from Jerry Thornberry at the Gilman School to Cynthia Flemming at the University of Tennessee. Thornberry thanks Flemming for her essay on Ruby Doris Smith that he assigned to his Black History Class, and discusses it's effect on his students. 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
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
A letter from Mary Ann Smith and Lonnie concerning donations and the graduation schedule for the Atlanta University Center was written to Committee on Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR). The second page contains The Atlanta University Center Commencement Schedule and Itinerary for 1991. The last page shows contributions and the treasurer's report. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence From Mary Ann Smith Wilson to The Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights, April 19, 1991
Date Created
1991-04-19
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A letter from Mary Ann Smith and Lonnie concerning donations and the graduation schedule for the Atlanta University Center was written to Committee on Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR). The second page contains The Atlanta University Center Commencement Schedule and Itinerary for 1991. The last page shows contributions and the treasurer's report. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A thank you letter from Brenda to the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) for participation in the committee. Cole reminds members that there will be another meeting held on March 24th, 1991 at the Woodruff Library. The meeting is to create a combined draft for a new appeal. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee Memo, March 12, 1991
Date Created
1991-03-12
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A thank you letter from Brenda to the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) for participation in the committee. Cole reminds members that there will be another meeting held on March 24th, 1991 at the Woodruff Library. The meeting is to create a combined draft for a new appeal. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges
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
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91. The Drafting Subcommittee of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) held its first meeting on December 27-28, 1990, chaired by Dr. Mary Ann Wilson and attended by several members including Charles Black and Roslyn Pope. The members decided to address the draft's second appeal to African-Americans, with a focus on increased self-reliance and reinforcing their self-esteem and economic empowerment, while insisting on the attainment of full rights of American citizenship. Deadlines were established for the completion of the draft text, which would take into account the points raised during the discussion. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee Meeting Notes, December 27-28, 1990
Date Created
1990-12-27
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91. The Drafting Subcommittee of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) held its first meeting on December 27-28, 1990, chaired by Dr. Mary Ann Wilson and attended by several members including Charles Black and Roslyn Pope. The members decided to address the draft's second appeal to African-Americans, with a focus on increased self-reliance and reinforcing their self-esteem and economic empowerment, while insisting on the attainment of full rights of American citizenship. Deadlines were established for the completion of the draft text, which would take into account the points raised during the discussion. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A gratitude letter was written to Mary Ann Smith Wilson from Brenda H. Cole and Dr. Delores P. Aldridge about the success of the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From CAU, December 12, 1990
Date Created
1990-12-13
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A gratitude letter was written to Mary Ann Smith Wilson from Brenda H. Cole and Dr. Delores P. Aldridge about the success of the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Summary/follow-up letter written by Mary Ann Smith to a Committee Member. She recaps details from "COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91 - CAU Meeting Notes, November 10, 1990' for the Committee Member. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence From Mary Ann Smith to Committee Member, December 9, 1990
Date Created
1990-12-09
Author
Smith, Mary Ann
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Summary/follow-up letter written by Mary Ann Smith to a Committee Member. She recaps details from "COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91 - CAU Meeting Notes, November 10, 1990' for the Committee Member. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American women, Groups and organizations
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
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement 30th Anniversary Memorial Service program. Featured names: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, and Dr. Samuel Narbit. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement 30th Anniversary Memorial Service Program, November 11, 1990.
Date Created
1990-11-11
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement 30th Anniversary Memorial Service program. Featured names: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, and Dr. Samuel Narbit. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges
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
Certificate of Merit from Mayor Maynard Jackson presented to Mary Ann Wilson for contributions to the city of Atlanta. In reference to "Atlanta Student Movement 30th Anniversary Event, November 10, 1990". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Merit Presented to Mary Ann Wilson, November 10, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-10
Description
Certificate of Merit from Mayor Maynard Jackson presented to Mary Ann Wilson for contributions to the city of Atlanta. In reference to "Atlanta Student Movement 30th Anniversary Event, November 10, 1990". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism