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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Clark Atlanta University Inside Newsletter. The newsletter publication highlights concerns and news for students and faculty. Also featured is a timeline of Atlanta University. The invitation for the Atlanta University Center's 30th Anniversary Salute is shown in the newsletter. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Clark Atlanta University Inside Newsletter, November 1990
Date Created
1990-11
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Clark Atlanta University Inside Newsletter. The newsletter publication highlights concerns and news for students and faculty. Also featured is a timeline of Atlanta University. The invitation for the Atlanta University Center's 30th Anniversary Salute is shown in the newsletter. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges, College student newspapers and periodicals
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
Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson was invited to the 30th Anniversary Salute to the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement, and the organizers had made arrangements for discounted rates. They have also reserved two tickets for her and a guest at no charge for the banquet, and additional tickets may be purchased for $50 each. The schedule of events is enclosed. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence Letter to Mary Ann Smith Wilson From Roxanne Viard, October 1, 1990
Date Created
1990-10-01
Author
Viard, Roxanne
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson was invited to the 30th Anniversary Salute to the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement, and the organizers had made arrangements for discounted rates. They have also reserved two tickets for her and a guest at no charge for the banquet, and additional tickets may be purchased for $50 each. The schedule of events is enclosed. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Special eventss, Associations, institutions, etc.
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
Clark Atlanta University was organizing a two-day celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement on November 10th and 11th, 1990. The celebration honored the former organizers of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights and pay special tribute to community leaders who played a significant role in the movement. Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson, who had a leadership role on the Committee, was invited to participate in the banquet and symposium and is requested to send any documentation regarding her activities since 1960 to the university. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CAU Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith Wilson, June 1, 1990
Date Created
1990-06-01
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Clark Atlanta University was organizing a two-day celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement on November 10th and 11th, 1990. The celebration honored the former organizers of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights and pay special tribute to community leaders who played a significant role in the movement. Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson, who had a leadership role on the Committee, was invited to participate in the banquet and symposium and is requested to send any documentation regarding her activities since 1960 to the university. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American women
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
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. The magazine narrates about various Morehouse alumnus, current student's accomplishments, social events , and news about the institution. As pertaining to the Atlanta University Center Student Movement, this passage describes the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and particularly the role that college students played in it. The students were inspired by the example of other activists, and particularly by the sit-ins that took place at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960. The movement quickly spread across the South, and many college students became heavily involved, to the point of neglecting their studies. Morehouse College played a particularly important role in the movement, producing many of its leaders. Despite the danger and opposition they faced, these young people were driven by a deep commitment to justice and equality. Highlighted figures: Oprah Winfrey, Andrew Young, Leroy Keith, and Martin Luther King Jr. 16 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Morehouse Magazine Alumnus, 1990
Date Created
1990
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. The magazine narrates about various Morehouse alumnus, current student's accomplishments, social events , and news about the institution. As pertaining to the Atlanta University Center Student Movement, this passage describes the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and particularly the role that college students played in it. The students were inspired by the example of other activists, and particularly by the sit-ins that took place at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960. The movement quickly spread across the South, and many college students became heavily involved, to the point of neglecting their studies. Morehouse College played a particularly important role in the movement, producing many of its leaders. Despite the danger and opposition they faced, these young people were driven by a deep commitment to justice and equality. Highlighted figures: Oprah Winfrey, Andrew Young, Leroy Keith, and Martin Luther King Jr. 16 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American students, African Americans--Segregation, College students, College publications
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A biographical list narrating prominent civil rights and student leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. Julian Bond, Donald Lee Hollowell, Reverend Otis Moss Jr., and Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson were featured names. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Workshop Biographical Sketches, 1990
Date Created
1990
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A biographical list narrating prominent civil rights and student leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. Julian Bond, Donald Lee Hollowell, Reverend Otis Moss Jr., and Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson were featured names. 9 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. A resource guide curated by the special collections department. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights Movement Resource Guide, November 1990
Date Created
1990
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. A resource guide curated by the special collections department. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American newspapers, American literature--African American authors
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement Chronology of Events from February 1960 to September 1961 copyright by Vincent D. Fort in 1990. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement Chronology of Events, 1990
Date Created
1990
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement Chronology of Events from February 1960 to September 1961 copyright by Vincent D. Fort in 1990. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Civil rights movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A short article describing the APEX--African American Panoramic Experience-- a museum and cultural institution located on Auburn Avenue. The museum was built in phrases and serves to preserve Auburn Avenue's legacy in the Black Community. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Sweet Auburn, Street of Pride", circa 1990
Date Created
1990
Description
A short article describing the APEX--African American Panoramic Experience-- a museum and cultural institution located on Auburn Avenue. The museum was built in phrases and serves to preserve Auburn Avenue's legacy in the Black Community. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African American business enterprises, African Americans--Social conditions
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
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. A speech given by Mary Ann Smith during the 30th Anniversary of Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. Mary Ann Smith discusses her perspective on the movement and discusses how the Civil Rights Movement was able to make significant changes through civil disobedience, voter registration, and economic boycotts. She highlights the struggles that they and others faced during the movement, including fighting against colonialism and learning about the Constitution of the United States. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Another Time, Another Place, Another Technique", Remarks by Mary Ann Smith, 1990
Date Created
1990
Author
Smith, Mary Ann
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. A speech given by Mary Ann Smith during the 30th Anniversary of Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. Mary Ann Smith discusses her perspective on the movement and discusses how the Civil Rights Movement was able to make significant changes through civil disobedience, voter registration, and economic boycotts. She highlights the struggles that they and others faced during the movement, including fighting against colonialism and learning about the Constitution of the United States. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Speeches
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a booklet about The Martin Luther King Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. The booklet describes the life and legacy left by Civil Rights Activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his passion for nonviolent activism. The King Center is a continuation of his commitment to teaching nonviolence. The King Center provides various extracurricular activities such as internships and nonviolent conflict training programs for students. The center also served as a Library, Archive, and Museum with an exhibition hall for meetings. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change, circa 1990
Date Created
1988/1992
Description
This document is a booklet about The Martin Luther King Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. The booklet describes the life and legacy left by Civil Rights Activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his passion for nonviolent activism. The King Center is a continuation of his commitment to teaching nonviolence. The King Center provides various extracurricular activities such as internships and nonviolent conflict training programs for students. The center also served as a Library, Archive, and Museum with an exhibition hall for meetings. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Groups and organizations, African American churches, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This brochure promoted the Underground Atlanta located between Peachtree St and Central Ave at Alabama St. Underground Atlanta celebrates the city's heritage and vibrant urban environment, offering a mix of sights, sounds, and unique experiences. The Humbug Square Street Market adds a lively turn-of-the-century charm with street fairs and a wide range of merchandise. Visitors can also enjoy diverse dining options in the Old Alabama Eatery food court. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Underground Atlanta, circa 1990
Date Created
1988/1992
Description
This brochure promoted the Underground Atlanta located between Peachtree St and Central Ave at Alabama St. Underground Atlanta celebrates the city's heritage and vibrant urban environment, offering a mix of sights, sounds, and unique experiences. The Humbug Square Street Market adds a lively turn-of-the-century charm with street fairs and a wide range of merchandise. Visitors can also enjoy diverse dining options in the Old Alabama Eatery food court. 4 pages.
Subject
City planning, Recreation, Special eventss, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
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
An excerpt from chapter 21, titled "I Can Sing Atlanta The Young Warriors", of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays' book Born to Rebel An Autobiography. Dr. Mays talks about In 1960, students from Morehouse and Spelman colleges planned a sit-in demonstration to protest against the discrimination faced by Black people in Atlanta's downtown restaurants. The plan was inspired by the Greensboro sit-ins, where four students refused to leave a white store's lunch counter and sparked a revolution against segregation in eating establishments in the South. The six presidents of the Atlanta University Center were supportive of the students' plans, but each student was encouraged to make their own decision and be prepared to face the consequences for violating the unjust law. 14 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Born to Rebel, Dr Benjamin Elijah Mays Autobiography, circa 1970
Date Created
1969/1972
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An excerpt from chapter 21, titled "I Can Sing Atlanta The Young Warriors", of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays' book Born to Rebel An Autobiography. Dr. Mays talks about In 1960, students from Morehouse and Spelman colleges planned a sit-in demonstration to protest against the discrimination faced by Black people in Atlanta's downtown restaurants. The plan was inspired by the Greensboro sit-ins, where four students refused to leave a white store's lunch counter and sparked a revolution against segregation in eating establishments in the South. The six presidents of the Atlanta University Center were supportive of the students' plans, but each student was encouraged to make their own decision and be prepared to face the consequences for violating the unjust law. 14 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
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin from the Southeastern Regional Office. Bulletin discusses current race relations and progress in school desegregation. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin, Fall 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin from the Southeastern Regional Office. Bulletin discusses current race relations and progress in school desegregation. 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
This is a flyer about Florida A&M student William H. Larkins visiting CORE in Chicago, Illinois. Larkin was a student activist recently released from Jail due to his sit-in demonstrations. While in Chicago, CORE provided a schedule and list of locations where Larkin was to speak at. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Florida A and M Student Leader William H. Larkins Visits Chicago", 1969
Date Created
1969
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This is a flyer about Florida A&M student William H. Larkins visiting CORE in Chicago, Illinois. Larkin was a student activist recently released from Jail due to his sit-in demonstrations. While in Chicago, CORE provided a schedule and list of locations where Larkin was to speak at. 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 transcripted speech by James Forman. The keynote address was given on November 23rd, 1967, at the Western Regional Black Youth Conference in Los Angeles, California. At the beginning of the speech, Forman gives acknowledgments to the leaders and activists of SNCC for their courageous acts and dynamic leadership. Forman also presents a poem called "Liberation Will Come From A Black Thing." After his poetry, he elaborates on his keynote speech, "Liberation Will Come From A Black Thing." Forman discusses the historical examples of liberation movements from Black people, relates them to the mission of SNCC, and how Bblack power is a revolutionary tool. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
James Forman's Speech, Black Youth Conference, November 23, 1967
Date Created
1967-11-23
Author
Forman, James
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
A transcripted speech by James Forman. The keynote address was given on November 23rd, 1967, at the Western Regional Black Youth Conference in Los Angeles, California. At the beginning of the speech, Forman gives acknowledgments to the leaders and activists of SNCC for their courageous acts and dynamic leadership. Forman also presents a poem called "Liberation Will Come From A Black Thing." After his poetry, he elaborates on his keynote speech, "Liberation Will Come From A Black Thing." Forman discusses the historical examples of liberation movements from Black people, relates them to the mission of SNCC, and how Bblack power is a revolutionary tool. 13 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism