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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  • Subjects = African American pioneers
Tribute presentation notes about Ruby Doris Smith by sister Catherine Robinson, addressed to Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology, and her organization Save Our Children Global Network. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Tribute to Ruby Doris Smith by Catherine Smith Robinson, circa 1989
Date Created
1988/1990
Description
Tribute presentation notes about Ruby Doris Smith by sister Catherine Robinson, addressed to Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology, and her organization Save Our Children Global Network. 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
Emerge magazine's article on Ruby D. Smith Robinson, Freedom Summer, and sexual politics in Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The biography article talks about Smith's involvement with the civil rights movement and how Ruby Doris transformed from a middle-class college student to a dedicated activist and administrator. Meanwhile, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) debated whether to participate in Freedom Summer, a joint effort with other civil rights groups to register Black voters in Mississippi, despite concerns about the impact on SNCC's character and image. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Liberated Woman", August 1988
Date Created
1988-08
Description
Emerge magazine's article on Ruby D. Smith Robinson, Freedom Summer, and sexual politics in Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The biography article talks about Smith's involvement with the civil rights movement and how Ruby Doris transformed from a middle-class college student to a dedicated activist and administrator. Meanwhile, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) debated whether to participate in Freedom Summer, a joint effort with other civil rights groups to register Black voters in Mississippi, despite concerns about the impact on SNCC's character and image. 3 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
Tributes in Sage's student supplement issue by co-editors Deborah Parms and Jennifer Freeman. A personal tribute by Susan D. Mitchell, and the article "A 'Heartbeat' for Liberation: The Reclamation of Ruby Doris Smith" by Jacqueline Jones Royster. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Tributes to Ruby Doris Smith in SAGE, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Tributes in Sage's student supplement issue by co-editors Deborah Parms and Jennifer Freeman. A personal tribute by Susan D. Mitchell, and the article "A 'Heartbeat' for Liberation: The Reclamation of Ruby Doris Smith" by Jacqueline Jones Royster. 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
Readers Digest "Personal Glimpses" article where Charlayne Hunter-Gault recalls Ruby Doris Smith's student activism, and her quote "Don't forget why you're here." 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Personal Glimpses", September 1987
Date Created
1987-09
Description
Readers Digest "Personal Glimpses" article where Charlayne Hunter-Gault recalls Ruby Doris Smith's student activism, and her quote "Don't forget why you're here." 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 is a biography of Ruby D. Smith Robinson from a Spelman publication. Ruby Doris Smith Robinson is recognized as an unsung heroine of Spelman College and the civil rights movement. At seventeen, she left college to actively participate in sit-ins and other demonstrations actively, becoming an integral part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Robinson played a crucial role in the movement's early success and later contributed to the fight against sexism within the movement by organizing a group of women to address gender discrimination. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson Biography, circa 1985
Date Created
1983/1987
Description
This is a biography of Ruby D. Smith Robinson from a Spelman publication. Ruby Doris Smith Robinson is recognized as an unsung heroine of Spelman College and the civil rights movement. At seventeen, she left college to actively participate in sit-ins and other demonstrations actively, becoming an integral part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Robinson played a crucial role in the movement's early success and later contributed to the fight against sexism within the movement by organizing a group of women to address gender discrimination. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Women Achievements Against The Odds", a calendar for 1984-86. Ruby Doris Smith is highlighted in March 1985 as a leading Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Women Achievements Against The Odds" Calendar, circa 1983
Date Created
1982/1985
Description
"Black Women Achievements Against The Odds", a calendar for 1984-86. Ruby Doris Smith is highlighted in March 1985 as a leading Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 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
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully" excerpts from the keynote speech of Charlayne Hunter-Gault at the Centennial Dinner, April 9, 1981 in the Spelman Messenger 1981 Celebration Issue. Hunter-Gault discusses Ruby Doris's story, and impact on her personal life. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully", April 9, 1981
Date Created
1981-04-09
Description
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully" excerpts from the keynote speech of Charlayne Hunter-Gault at the Centennial Dinner, April 9, 1981 in the Spelman Messenger 1981 Celebration Issue. Hunter-Gault discusses Ruby Doris's story, and impact on her personal life. 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
An excerpt of the Spelman College's centennial year celebration keynote speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in dedication to Ruby D. Smith Robinson. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, in a keynote speech at Spelman's Centennial Dinner in 1981, reflects on her connection to the college and its impact on her life. She discusses the historical struggles and sacrifices early Spelman students faced and the resilience and determination they instilled in her. She also highlights the influential role of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a fellow Spelman alumna, in the civil rights movement and her unwavering commitment to the cause. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully", Speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, April 1981
Date Created
1981-04
Author
Hunter-Gault, Charlayne
Description
An excerpt of the Spelman College's centennial year celebration keynote speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in dedication to Ruby D. Smith Robinson. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, in a keynote speech at Spelman's Centennial Dinner in 1981, reflects on her connection to the college and its impact on her life. She discusses the historical struggles and sacrifices early Spelman students faced and the resilience and determination they instilled in her. She also highlights the influential role of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a fellow Spelman alumna, in the civil rights movement and her unwavering commitment to the cause. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges, College publications, College student newspapers and periodicals
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
Correspondence from Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Culture Historian at the Smithsonian Institution to Alice Smith, Ruby's mother. The letter discusses Dr. Johnson Reagon's article about Ruby Doris Smith, and her plans to write a book on Ruby. 10 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Alice Smith From Bernice Johnson Reagon, May 25, 1979
Date Created
1979-05-25
Author
Reagon, Bernice Johnson, 1942-
Description
Correspondence from Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, Culture Historian at the Smithsonian Institution to Alice Smith, Ruby's mother. The letter discusses Dr. Johnson Reagon's article about Ruby Doris Smith, and her plans to write a book on Ruby. 10 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
Ruby D. Smith dedication by Carolyn Long Banks. Banks describes Smith as the fundamental person in the Atlanta Movement, and she kept the movement together through her organized leadership. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Tribute by Carolyn Long Banks, circa 1980
Date Created
1978/1982
Author
Banks, Carolyn Long
Description
Ruby D. Smith dedication by Carolyn Long Banks. Banks describes Smith as the fundamental person in the Atlanta Movement, and she kept the movement together through her organized leadership. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The passage discusses Spelman College's traditions and emphasizes the importance of certain "heartbeat" traditions, including striving for excellence, promoting gender equality, and fighting injustice. The author cites the example of the college's founders who fought against the injustices faced by Black women and established the institution to address these issues. The author also mentions some Spelman graduates who founded organizations to help their communities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Spelman Founders Day Address, circa 1980
Date Created
1978/1982
Description
The passage discusses Spelman College's traditions and emphasizes the importance of certain "heartbeat" traditions, including striving for excellence, promoting gender equality, and fighting injustice. The author cites the example of the college's founders who fought against the injustices faced by Black women and established the institution to address these issues. The author also mentions some Spelman graduates who founded organizations to help their communities. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Vincent Fort to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson asking to complete an interview release form. The interview was about the Atlanta sit-in movement. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson From Vincent Fort, circa 1979
Date Created
1978/1980
Author
Fort, Vincent
Description
Correspondence from Vincent Fort to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson asking to complete an interview release form. The interview was about the Atlanta sit-in movement. 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
Interview in The Black Scholar with Kathleen Cleaver by Sister Julie Herve, daughter of Richard Wright. Cleaver discusses Ruby Doris' commitment and struggles in the student movement. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Scholar Interviews Kathleen Cleaver", December 1971
Date Created
1971-12
Description
Interview in The Black Scholar with Kathleen Cleaver by Sister Julie Herve, daughter of Richard Wright. Cleaver discusses Ruby Doris' commitment and struggles in the student 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
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
Article in The Black Panther in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"SNCC Veteran Dies, Ruby Doris Robinson", November 23, 1967
Date Created
1967-11-23
Description
Article in The Black Panther in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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 Jet Magazine in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Rare Blood Disease Fatal To a Founder of SNCC", October 26, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-26
Description
Article in Jet Magazine in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 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 Flatlands in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"In Memory of a Sister", October 18, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-18
Description
Article in The Flatlands in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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 Atlanta Voice in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Mrs. Ruby Doris Robinson Dies, Funeral Saturday", October 15, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-15
Description
Article in the Atlanta Voice in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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
Article in Atlanta Daily World in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Funeral Rites for Former SNCC Executive Secretary", October 14, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-14
Description
Article in Atlanta Daily World in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee member. 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