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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Article in the Journal of Women's History, "Black Women Activists and The Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee: The Case of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 19 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Black Women Activists and The Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee", 1993
Date Created
1993
Author
Fleming, Cynthia G., 1949-
Description
Article in the Journal of Women's History, "Black Women Activists and The Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee: The Case of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 19 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Book review of "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Fleming. Review by Angela Brown Terrell in Spelman's Messenger Magazine Summer/Fall 1998 Issue. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Book Review for "Soon We Will Not Cry" by Cynthia Fleming, 1998
Date Created
1998
Author
Fleming, Cynthia G., 1949-
Description
Book review of "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Fleming. Review by Angela Brown Terrell in Spelman's Messenger Magazine Summer/Fall 1998 Issue. 2 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 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
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
The Brisbane Institute was founded in 1984 by Dr. Robert E. Brisbane as a memorial to his work. The institute's mission is to continue Dr. Brisbane's tradition of leadership in political study and activism. Its current programs include a community-based public policy think tank, community support, and development projects, and the Southern Center for Labor Education and Organizing. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Brisbane Institute Pamphlet, COAHR Voices of the Student Movement, 1998
Date Created
1998
Description
The Brisbane Institute was founded in 1984 by Dr. Robert E. Brisbane as a memorial to his work. The institute's mission is to continue Dr. Brisbane's tradition of leadership in political study and activism. Its current programs include a community-based public policy think tank, community support, and development projects, and the Southern Center for Labor Education and Organizing. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American teachers, African American men
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
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
"Builders Of A New South, Heroines of Dixie", August 1966
Date Created
1966-08
Description
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.
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
Recorded meeting notes written by Mary Ann Smith and Lonnie for the "Committee on Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR)--30 Years Later". The meeting was called to continue the efforts of the COAHR after the 30-year celebration, as stated by John Mack. Her notes outline the need for a follow-up retreat after the commemorative events, a need for a continuing action plan, and financial requirements for the committee. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CAU Planning Committee Meeting Notes, November 10, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-10
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Recorded meeting notes written by Mary Ann Smith and Lonnie for the "Committee on Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR)--30 Years Later". The meeting was called to continue the efforts of the COAHR after the 30-year celebration, as stated by John Mack. Her notes outline the need for a follow-up retreat after the commemorative events, a need for a continuing action plan, and financial requirements for the committee. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Flyer for the "Celebration of Life" Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson hosted by Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology and Save Our Children Global Network Inc. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Celebration of Life Flyer for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, November 3, 2007
Date Created
2007-03-11
Description
Flyer for the "Celebration of Life" Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson hosted by Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology and Save Our Children Global Network Inc. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Celebration of Life" Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson hosted by Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology and Save Our Children Global Network Inc. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Celebration of Life Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, November 3, 2007
Date Created
2007-03-11
Description
"Celebration of Life" Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson hosted by Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology and Save Our Children Global Network Inc. 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
Cemetery record card from South View Cemetery in memory of Ruby Doris Smith. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Cemetery Record Card, October 14, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-14
Description
Cemetery record card from South View Cemetery in memory of Ruby Doris Smith. 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
A certificate of appreciation presented to Mary Ann Smith by the Atlanta City Council and the President of the Council, Robb Pitts. The award was given in recognition in honor of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of "An Appeal for Human Rights," and the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Appreciation Mary Ann Smith, City Council, March 31, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-31
Description
A certificate of appreciation presented to Mary Ann Smith by the Atlanta City Council and the President of the Council, Robb Pitts. The award was given in recognition in honor of the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of "An Appeal for Human Rights," and the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American leadership, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Appreciation from the Atlanta City Council presented to Mary Ann Smith in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement and the "An Appeal for Human Rights". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Appreciation presented to Mary Ann Smith, March 31, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-31
Description
Certificate of Appreciation from the Atlanta City Council presented to Mary Ann Smith in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement and the "An Appeal for Human Rights". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A Certificate of Attendance for Ruby Smith at the 10th annual State-wide High School Band Clinic at Fort Valley State College. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Attendance for Ruby Smith, April 1957
Date Created
1957-04
Description
A Certificate of Attendance for Ruby Smith at the 10th annual State-wide High School Band Clinic at Fort Valley State College. 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
The certificate of Baptism of Ruby Smith was signed by Pastor R. B. Shorts of West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E) Church. Inscribed at the bottom of the certificate is Mark 16:16. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Baptism of Ruby Smith, August 23, 1942
Date Created
1942-08-23
Description
The certificate of Baptism of Ruby Smith was signed by Pastor R. B. Shorts of West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E) Church. Inscribed at the bottom of the certificate is Mark 16:16. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American churches
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Merit from Mayor Maynard Jackson presented to Mary Ann Wilson for contributions to the city of Atlanta. In reference to "Atlanta Student Movement 30th Anniversary Event, November 10, 1990". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Merit Presented to Mary Ann Wilson, November 10, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-10
Description
Certificate of Merit from Mayor Maynard Jackson presented to Mary Ann Wilson for contributions to the city of Atlanta. In reference to "Atlanta Student Movement 30th Anniversary Event, November 10, 1990". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The national anthem of the Sousou language written in the Federation of Conkary. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Choeur En Langue Nationale Soussou" (National Language Choir in Soussou), circa 1964
Date Created
1958/1962
Description
The national anthem of the Sousou language written in the Federation of Conkary. 3 pages.
Subject
Africa, Islam, Ethnomusicology
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Stokely Carmichael, Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), issued a statement condemning the bombing and burning of Black churches in the American South. Carmichael argues that these acts of violence are traditional methods employed by white racists to express their disdain and hatred towards African Americans who dare to protest against their inhumane treatment and degradation. He criticizes the lack of response from federal, state, and local authorities and the FBI, who fail to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Carmichael sees this as a reflection of white America's approval and collaboration in perpetuating racism. He highlights recent church bombings in Lowndes County, Alabama, where Viola Liuzzo and Jonathan Daniels were murdered, and emphasizes the routine investigations conducted by authorities that yield no substantial results. Carmichael draws parallels between the current state of affairs and the Reconstruction era, pointing out the ousting of Adam Clayton Powell from Congress as evidence of continued oppression. He suggests that Black people increasingly recognize the need to fight back against the long history of genocide, lynchings, bombings, and burnings, asserting that these acts will only strengthen their resolve for justice. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Church Bombings, The American Way of Racism", March 15, 1967
Date Created
1961-03-15
Author
Carmichael, Stokely
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
Stokely Carmichael, Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), issued a statement condemning the bombing and burning of Black churches in the American South. Carmichael argues that these acts of violence are traditional methods employed by white racists to express their disdain and hatred towards African Americans who dare to protest against their inhumane treatment and degradation. He criticizes the lack of response from federal, state, and local authorities and the FBI, who fail to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Carmichael sees this as a reflection of white America's approval and collaboration in perpetuating racism. He highlights recent church bombings in Lowndes County, Alabama, where Viola Liuzzo and Jonathan Daniels were murdered, and emphasizes the routine investigations conducted by authorities that yield no substantial results. Carmichael draws parallels between the current state of affairs and the Reconstruction era, pointing out the ousting of Adam Clayton Powell from Congress as evidence of continued oppression. He suggests that Black people increasingly recognize the need to fight back against the long history of genocide, lynchings, bombings, and burnings, asserting that these acts will only strengthen their resolve for justice. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American pioneers, African American churches
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This newspaper article discusses the ongoing civil rights activism among college students, particularly African-Americans, highlighting their involvement in recent social issues and their determination to fight for their beliefs. The article features interviews with Alisha Thomas, a senior at Spelman College, and Khalid Salaam, a reporter for The Panther, the Clark Atlanta University newspaper. It explores students' various outlets to express their views, such as marches, rallies, and student-controlled media. The article also mentions activists' challenges, including apathy and the need for greater student engagement. The issue of the state flag, which bears symbols of the Confederacy, emerges as a critical concern among students. The article emphasizes the role of students in demanding social change and cites Benjamin Mays, the former president of Morehouse College, to underscore the significance of individual contributions to making a difference. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Civil Rights Activism 'Alive and Well'", March 9, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-09
Description
This newspaper article discusses the ongoing civil rights activism among college students, particularly African-Americans, highlighting their involvement in recent social issues and their determination to fight for their beliefs. The article features interviews with Alisha Thomas, a senior at Spelman College, and Khalid Salaam, a reporter for The Panther, the Clark Atlanta University newspaper. It explores students' various outlets to express their views, such as marches, rallies, and student-controlled media. The article also mentions activists' challenges, including apathy and the need for greater student engagement. The issue of the state flag, which bears symbols of the Confederacy, emerges as a critical concern among students. The article emphasizes the role of students in demanding social change and cites Benjamin Mays, the former president of Morehouse College, to underscore the significance of individual contributions to making a difference. 1 page.
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
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