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.

This document provides an overview of an Economic Workshop held by SNCC in February 1967, with a focus on addressing the economic conditions of the black community. The workshop emphasizes the importance of economic freedom alongside the political aspects of community organizing. It proposes the establishment of small cooperatives and credit unions as a means to improve the economic situation of black people in rural South and northern ghettos. The suggested plan is intended to serve as a foundation and guide for programs aimed at achieving economic and political freedom. The workshop coordinator is John Buffington. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Benjamin D. Brown from the House of Representatives Atlanta House Chamber, sending well wishes to Ruby Doris Smith. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Resolution from the State of Georgia House of Representatives on the designation of National Negro History Week. The resolution states that February 12-18 was assigned to be National Negro History Week and was an effort to promote the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Telegram from Lester McKinnie and the Washington Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Office sending well wishes. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get-well telegram from William Porter and the office staff of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson at the Beth Israel Hospital. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Claudia Hillman to Ruby Doris Smith about Hillman's decision to stay or leave the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This booklet titled "Black Body White Mind" argues that education in the United States has been used to perpetuate White supremacy and to keep Black people in a subordinate position. The author discusses the history of Negro education in the United States and argues that Negro schools have been White-oriented and have not met the needs of the Black community. The author also argues that the civil rights movement's focus on integration has not effectively addressed the underlying problems of racism in education. 17 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document provides a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the Texas Southern University (TSU) incident, which occurred on May 16, focusing on the events from May 15-17. The report sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the incident, often labeled as a "riot," although evidence of looting or organized violence is absent. Instead, it reveals a harsh display of police force directed towards the college campus, leading to numerous arrests and injuries, as well as the tragic death of a student. The report highlights the lack of proper reporting, underrepresenting the victims' perspectives, and attempts to hold the city accountable for its actions. The document includes photographs and statements from witnesses and participants, intending to provide a more accurate understanding of the situation and challenge the official narrative. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from an unidentified person about living In Puerto Rico, colonialism, and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. 3 pages.
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
Article in Ebony Magazine highlighting Black women advocates in the South including Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, Annie Devine, Rosa Parks, Daisy Bates, Gloria Richardson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Marian Wright, and Hattie Parker. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Articles from Jet magazine about the American Labor Federation, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Reverend Fauntroy all about promoting equal rights. The article's first page talks about the American Labor Federation and its endorsement of President Lyndon B. Johnson about residential integration. The Second page is titled "SNCC, Dick Gregory Snub White," about SNCC and the racial tensions during the Vietnam War. The rest of the article discusses the negotiations and talks among CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SNCC, and the White House about racial justice and inequality. 4 pages.
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
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
This document is a manifesto of the Black Panther Party. The manifesto describes the Black Panther Party as the "vanguard of the colonized Black Nation in North America...Our objectives are national liberation, the overthrow of the white racist's (colonizer's) power over us, and the establishment of Black Humanism". The five-page manifesto is separated into two sections: Philosophy and Program. Section one of Philosophy summarizes the Black Panther Party's mission to defend against any antagonism aimed toward the Black community and fight white racism and colonial oppression. Section Two outlines the program of the Black Panther Party. It is described as raising political consciousness, achieving national liberation, and promoting unity and freedom through any necessary means. The section concludes by asserting that the world belongs to Black people. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Ruby Smith from Dinky and an unidentified person discussing recent life out of state. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get-well letter to Ruby Doris Smith from Guy Carawan, Candie Carawan, and Evan. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Brochure promoting Charlie Cobb's upcoming book to be produced by Flute Publications about the Black experience.  Brochure has donation and order request form. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith from Charlie Cobb, attaching letters written to New York Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Office about his trip to Vietnam. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get-well letter from Maria Varela to Ruby Doris Smith. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Note to Ruby Doris Smith from Freddie to get well and items from her old office. 1 page.
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
Visitors register for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's funeral, with additional visitor sign in. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Visitors register for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's funeral. 10 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An image of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson at the Student Nonviolent Committee Headquarters in Ebony Magazine. The caption notes the percentage of women in the movement, and Ruby Doris' comment of needing more people regardless of gender. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document accounts for the legal case MacLaurin vs. The State of Mississippi, involving Charles MacLaurin, a field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). MacLaurin was arrested and charged with "Disturbing the Peace" and "Resisting Arrest" in Greenville, Mississippi, after speaking to a group of Black individuals about the unjust conviction of Black defendants for playing in a segregated public park. MacLaurin's trial resulted in guilty verdicts and subsequent convictions, leading to a sentence of 180 days in prison and a $100 fine. Appeals were made, but they were denied. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied, with three justices refusing to review the case. The document argues that the legal proceedings were biased and part of a conspiracy to deny justice and violate the civil and human rights of Black individuals who fight for equality. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article by Lerone Bennett Jr. about the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee and its commitment to the "Southern Freedom Movement." 6 pages.
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 smiles and holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a report from SNCC's journey to Guinea, West Africa, on September 23rd, 1964. The group was met by the Director General of the Ministry of Information and Tourism, Diallo Alpha. While in West Africa, the group discussed the implications and the effects of colonialism on Guinea and  African nations. Diallo Alpha illustrates the functions of the National Government of Guinea with other African governments and how they have been influenced and affected by foreign agencies and policies. Further in the document, SNCC and other African leaders share pan-Africanist ideals with each other and remark on racial anecdotes about colonialism and American racism. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Honorary Invitation from the JRDA National Council, Democratic Party of Guinea - African Democratic Rally to Ruby Doris Smith for the National Arts Festival from September 14, 1964 through September 28, 1964. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is the minutes from an SNCC meeting held on September 6th, 1964. The meeting minutes are a transcript of those members in attendance. The agenda items for the meeting were Billy Stafford's report on Southern campuses and work-study programs, a discussion of regional coordinators, fundraising projects, Summer projects, filled and needed positions, the Black Belt Project, and the budget for the various programs. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is of project reports meeting minutes from September 5th, 1964. The records show the transcription of a meeting about King's campaign, voting campaign projects, and several other programs. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is meeting minutes from the SNCC Executive Committee on September 4th, 1964. The meeting minutes are a transcript of the committee members. On the agenda for the meeting were the Fall programs, the Summer program of 1965, personnel reports,  health insurance, job functions, New York offices of SNCC, and salaries. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This "Settling a Sit-In" brochure/report was written by Wallace Westfeldt, a journalist for the Nashville Tennessean, and is about the sit-in movement in Nashville, Tennessee. Westfeldt reports on the ethos, events, and criticism surrounding the Sit-In movement. The movement had successfully achieved its goal of integrating lunch counters in downtown Nashville stores. The settlement was reached after the black community boycott of downtown stores. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a booklet report of SNCC's Mississippi Summer Project and the project's summary accounts of incidents. The Mississippi Summer project accounts for protests for civil rights across the United States with their outcomes for each location. The document contains statements of incidents from June 16th to August 26th. 27 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This report, authored by Wallace Westfeldt, examines the Nashville sit-in movement, which aimed to challenge racial segregation in the city. It highlights the presence of integrated schools, councils, and public facilities but emphasizes the need for integration in restaurants and diners. The report outlines the non-violent approach Fisk University, Tennessee State University, and American Baptist Theological Seminary students use during the sit-ins at downtown variety stores and bus terminals. The movement triggered arrests and raised complex legal and moral questions surrounding racial discrimination and the right to equal access to public facilities. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Dona Richards proposes establishing an African Affairs Department within the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). The proposed department aims to serve as an educational and politically programmatic project, fostering a connection between the struggles of black people in the United States against exploitation and the fight for self-determination of black people abroad. Specific areas of the project include research on African nations and U.S. involvement on the continent, organizing workshops with African diplomats and cultural groups, developing relationships with African individuals and governments, and promoting identification with African heritage to inspire and empower young activists within the movement. The proposal explores funding possibilities and encourages input from interested parties to develop the project further. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Proposed Welfare Program aims to streamline and support the welfare application process for eligible individuals through a comprehensive approach. The program includes multiple steps, including informing the community about available assistance and rights. Trained associates guide in determining eligibility, completing application forms, and locating local welfare offices. In case of a denied application or lack of response from the state welfare department, the program assists applicants in requesting a fair hearing, offering legal representation when necessary. This initiative strives to ensure equitable access to welfare benefits and continuously expands its resources to include state-specific welfare handbooks. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Cooperatives" is a practical guide to forming and operating cooperatives (coops), focusing on businesses owned and controlled by people patronizing the enterprise. The guide covers crucial aspects of establishing a cooperative, such as conducting a feasibility study, determining potential membership, required management skills, facilities, operating costs, and necessary capital. It also emphasizes the significance of incorporation regulations, available community resources, and other relevant considerations. The document further provides insights into the scope of business, membership qualifications, representation on the Board of Directors, and obtaining capital through subscriptions while stressing the importance of legal aid throughout the cooperative's establishment process. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Students' Grievances and Demands: A Call for Quality Education at William Bryant High School" is a compelling document expressing the concerns of students regarding numerous health hazards and inadequacies within the school. The students highlight issues such as inadequate heating, broken windows, and a lack of essential resources like textbooks, teachers, and proper facilities. They call upon the County, State, and community to take action and support their fight for an education that ensures a fair chance for every student, with proper access to quality education and a safe learning environment. The document emphasizes the ongoing struggle of the students and seeks community involvement to achieve positive change. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a study and report published by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) about population statistics of Mississippi between "nonwhite" people and white people, with the term "nonwhite people" used interchangeably with "Negroes" due to the significant overlap in the population. It acknowledges that the data about nonwhites can be considered representative of the conditions faced explicitly by Negroes, as 99.6 percent of the total nonwhite population and 99.7 percent of nonwhite farm operators in Mississippi were Negroes in 1960. The report provides general information rather than specific details. 18 pages.
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
Judy Yearby, a high school student, wrote a report on famed agriculture chemist George Washington Carver on February 12, 1965. Yearby wrote a biographical report about Carver's life starting in 1864 and when he passed on January 5, 1943. Yearby describes Carver's family during his childhood and then goes into his young adulthood. She describes how he received his MS from Iowa State College after hitchhiking a ride on a covered wagon. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Lucille Everett, an 11th grader, wrote a high school paper on February 12, 1965, about the Civil Rights Bill passed in 1964. The high school paper critiques the purpose of the Civil Rights and the bill's practicality for African American citizens. Everett scrutinizes the bill for only benefiting the wealthiest and middle-class African Americans while it leaves the lower-class African Americans out. Everett talks about how little the bill does for African Americans and keeps the social and economic conditions for African Americans the same. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith and unidentified people kneel and pray with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener Alabama during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism