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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A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith at Spelman College, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1963
Description
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American student movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A young Ruby D. Smith sits in a chair and poses with a group of people.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith With Family, circa 1952
Date Created
1950/1954
Description
A young Ruby D. Smith sits in a chair and poses with a group of people.
Subject
African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sisters Mary, Ruby, and Catherine Smith in California.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith With Sisters, circa 1964
Date Created
1960/1968
Description
Sisters Mary, Ruby, and Catherine Smith in California.
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 Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights met on December 2, 1960, and discussed the lack of personnel and the need to hit Walgreens early in the morning. The committee also noted that some members needed to follow policies, but overall, the organization was working smoothly and profiting from the previous day's mistakes. The committee is also suggested to take the suggestions of research and action committees before going into anything blindly and adhere to sit policies placed by the committees. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Minutes, December 2, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal of Human Rights
Description
The Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights met on December 2, 1960, and discussed the lack of personnel and the need to hit Walgreens early in the morning. The committee also noted that some members needed to follow policies, but overall, the organization was working smoothly and profiting from the previous day's mistakes. The committee is also suggested to take the suggestions of research and action committees before going into anything blindly and adhere to sit policies placed by the committees. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, Meetings
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and student leader Lonnie King, along with other members of the sit-in group, refuse bail following their arrest for violating the state�s trespass law in Fulton County on Wednesday. On Wednesday at 9:00 AM, around 200 students gathered on the Atlanta University campus to break into 11 groups and go to specific eating facilities in the city, marking the beginning of the sit-ins. After being arrested for disturbing the peace, the students remained calm even as they were held in the modern Jefferson Street prison. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Jail, No Bail Group In Jail, Cheerful, Confident", October 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-24
Description
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and student leader Lonnie King, along with other members of the sit-in group, refuse bail following their arrest for violating the state�s trespass law in Fulton County on Wednesday. On Wednesday at 9:00 AM, around 200 students gathered on the Atlanta University campus to break into 11 groups and go to specific eating facilities in the city, marking the beginning of the sit-ins. After being arrested for disturbing the peace, the students remained calm even as they were held in the modern Jefferson Street prison. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This booklet discusses Atlanta's peaceful, non-violent protests against segregation, have been met with threats, abuse, and jail time for both students and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite agreeing to a 30-day truce period, the downtown merchants have refused to desegregate, so citizens were asked to stay out of the downtown shopping area until all customers are granted the same treatment. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Don't Shop Downtown", circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
This booklet discusses Atlanta's peaceful, non-violent protests against segregation, have been met with threats, abuse, and jail time for both students and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite agreeing to a 30-day truce period, the downtown merchants have refused to desegregate, so citizens were asked to stay out of the downtown shopping area until all customers are granted the same treatment. 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
An excerpt from a newspaper advertisement in support of human dignity written by the Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action. The letter commends the peaceful efforts of Atlanta University Center students in their pursuit of equal treatment as citizens and human beings. The students' activities included an appeal for human rights, requests for food service, picketing, and a march to the State Capitol. The committee endorses the students' objectives and calls upon all individuals in public office, business, education, and civic life to work towards a community that values brotherhood and Christian justice for all. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"An Endorsement In Support of Human Dignity", circa 1962
Date Created
1960/1964
Description
An excerpt from a newspaper advertisement in support of human dignity written by the Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action. The letter commends the peaceful efforts of Atlanta University Center students in their pursuit of equal treatment as citizens and human beings. The students' activities included an appeal for human rights, requests for food service, picketing, and a march to the State Capitol. The committee endorses the students' objectives and calls upon all individuals in public office, business, education, and civic life to work towards a community that values brotherhood and Christian justice for all. 1 page.
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
Three women wear signs in protest saying, "Don't Buy Segregation" and "Don't Buy Here" during demonstration in Atlanta.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Protesters With Signs, circa 1960
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
Three women wear signs in protest saying, "Don't Buy Segregation" and "Don't Buy Here" during demonstration in Atlanta.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
FIX DESCRIPTION TO MATCH title
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Getting out of Jail, 1961
Date Created
1961
Description
FIX DESCRIPTION TO MATCH title
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A man and a woman sit at an otherwise empty lunch counter.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Couple Sitting at Lunch Counter, circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
A man and a woman sit at an otherwise empty lunch counter.
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
Men and women stand outside of a county jail and sign a document.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Group Outside a County Jail, circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
Men and women stand outside of a county jail and sign a document.
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 Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Description
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A school photo of a young Ruby D. Smith marked with "1951-52."
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith School Days, 1951
Date Created
1951
Description
A school photo of a young Ruby D. Smith marked with "1951-52."
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American children
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby Doris Smith Robinson lays on the floor and writes on a notepad.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby Doris Smith Robinson in Guinea, circa 1964
Date Created
1960/1968
Description
Ruby Doris Smith Robinson lays on the floor and writes on a notepad.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Africa, Travel
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith stands in the snow next to a car with another young woman.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Description
Ruby D. Smith stands in the snow next to a car with another young woman.
Subject
African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King notes Atlanta appears to have calmed down after the student-led protests. However, the desegregation of lunch counters and equal hiring practices for Black individuals are still outstanding issues. Removing discriminatory signs from public spaces and accepting freedom as a permanent part of Atlanta's future is necessary before progress can be made. The fight against discrimination requires ongoing effort and donations to organizations such as the NAACP and SCLC to continue the struggle. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring", by Lonnie King, November 7, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-07
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King notes Atlanta appears to have calmed down after the student-led protests. However, the desegregation of lunch counters and equal hiring practices for Black individuals are still outstanding issues. Removing discriminatory signs from public spaces and accepting freedom as a permanent part of Atlanta's future is necessary before progress can be made. The fight against discrimination requires ongoing effort and donations to organizations such as the NAACP and SCLC to continue the struggle. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Voting, Political participation, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in The Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King noting if someone didn't vote in the election, they have no right to argue about the outcome, and how action must be taken to rectify the situation. He states the true meaning of democracy will only be achieved when the beliefs and ideals that have built the country are brought into harmony with the realities of daily life for all Americans. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring", by Lonnie King, November 14, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-14
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
An article in The Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King noting if someone didn't vote in the election, they have no right to argue about the outcome, and how action must be taken to rectify the situation. He states the true meaning of democracy will only be achieved when the beliefs and ideals that have built the country are brought into harmony with the realities of daily life for all Americans. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Voting, Political participation, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King marking the recent student movement's epitaph as an example of student and community. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King marking the recent student movement's epitaph as an example of student and community. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Voting, Political participation, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In 1960, Lonnie King writes about the dangerous situation in New Orleans due to the inability of the Louisiana State Legislature to accept federal law over state decrees. The student committee hopes that Georgia has learned from Little Rock and New Orleans and will act quickly to implement the courts' decision for integrated public schools. The New Orleans situation reflects poorly on the US' image abroad, and King wonders how African and Asian peoples perceive it. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, November 28,1960
Date Created
1960-11-28
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
In 1960, Lonnie King writes about the dangerous situation in New Orleans due to the inability of the Louisiana State Legislature to accept federal law over state decrees. The student committee hopes that Georgia has learned from Little Rock and New Orleans and will act quickly to implement the courts' decision for integrated public schools. The New Orleans situation reflects poorly on the US' image abroad, and King wonders how African and Asian peoples perceive it. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Voting, Political participation, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article in the Atlanta Inquirer about Georgia's increasing school dropout rates and a letter to the editor about the pressure and strain on students integrating schools. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 9, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-09
Description
Article in the Atlanta Inquirer about Georgia's increasing school dropout rates and a letter to the editor about the pressure and strain on students integrating schools. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African Americans--Education
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism