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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  • Decade = 1960-1969
Ruby D. Smith Robinson smiles and holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson and Son Kenneth Toure Robinson, circa 1965
Date Created
1964/1966
Description
Ruby D. Smith Robinson smiles and holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American families
Collection
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
"Brief Report on Guinea", September 23, 1964
Date Created
1964-09-23
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Groups and organizations, African American students, Africa, Pan-Africanism
Collection
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
Democratic Party of Guinea Honorary Invitation to National Arts Week for Ruby Doris Smith, September 14, 1964
Date Created
1964-09-14
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document 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
SNCC Meeting Minutes Reports on Southern Campuses, September 6 ,1964
Date Created
1964-09-06
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
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
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
SNCC Meeting Minutes Project Reports, September 5, 1964
Date Created
1964-09-05
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
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 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
SNCC Meeting Minutes Executive Committee, September 4, 1964
Date Created
1964-09-04
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
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
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
"Settling a Sit in", circa 1965
Date Created
1963/1967
Description
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.
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
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
"Mississippi Summer Project, Running Summary of Incidents", circa 1965
Date Created
1963/1967
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
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
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
"A Report On Nashville", circa 1965
Date Created
1963/1967
Author
Westfeldt, Wallace
Description
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.
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
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
SNCC Proposal for an African Affairs Department, circa 1964
Date Created
1963/1967
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
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
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
"Proposed Welfare Program", circa 1964
Date Created
1963/1967
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students, Political participation
Collection
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
Cooperative Proposals, circa 1965
Date Created
1963/1967
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
"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.
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
"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
William Bryant High School Grievances, circa 1965
Date Created
1963/1967
Creator
Students of William Bryant High School
Description
"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.
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
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
"The General Condition of the Mississippi Negro", October 1963
Date Created
1963-10
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, Demographic surveys
Collection
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
Letter From Ruby Doris Smith to her Mother, circa 1964
Date Created
1962/1966
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
Correspondence from Ruby Doris Smith to her mother about being in Conakry, Guinea in West Africa. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
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
Student Paper, G.W. Carver and the Civil Rights Bill, February 12, 1965
Date Created
1962-02-12
Author
Yearby, Judy
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American students, African American pioneers
Collection
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
Student Paper, Civil Rights Bill, February 12, 1965
Date Created
1962-02-12
Author
Everett, Lucille
Description
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.
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
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
Ruby D. Smith and Group Hold Demonstration for William Lewis Moore, circa 1963
Date Created
1961/1965
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, Groups and organization
Collection
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
Ruby D. Smith and Group Hold Demonstration for William Lewis Moore, circa 1963
Date Created
1961/1965
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
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
Demonstration for William Lewis Moore, circa 1963
Date Created
1961/1965
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism