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
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, 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
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, Groups and organization
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer have themes of housing in Georgia and the Atlanta Metro Area, the Christmas season, and integration. Articles published in the Atlanta Inquirer are "When the Lights Go On Again, M. Carl Holman's " 'Fine Singing' From Lockheed," What Did We Do to Support A Strong Housing Order?" accompanied by a political cartoon, "Letters To the Editor," and "If We are Ready". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 30, 1961
Date Created
1961-12-30
Description
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer have themes of housing in Georgia and the Atlanta Metro Area, the Christmas season, and integration. Articles published in the Atlanta Inquirer are "When the Lights Go On Again, M. Carl Holman's " 'Fine Singing' From Lockheed," What Did We Do to Support A Strong Housing Order?" accompanied by a political cartoon, "Letters To the Editor," and "If We are Ready". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article written one day before Christmas Eve in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman called "The Hopes and Fears of All the Years.." The article is about the dichotomy of the civil rights movement: proponents of the civil rights protest vs. critics of the civil rights protest. Holman narrates about a Lady and her opposition to the protest during the Christmas Holiday Season. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Hopes And Fears Of All The Years", December 23, 1961
Date Created
1961-12-23
Description
An article written one day before Christmas Eve in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman called "The Hopes and Fears of All the Years.." The article is about the dichotomy of the civil rights movement: proponents of the civil rights protest vs. critics of the civil rights protest. Holman narrates about a Lady and her opposition to the protest during the Christmas Holiday Season. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a list of cities that have had demonstrations against lunch counter-discrimination. The following states are listed: Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia--totaling 33 cities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE Cities of Demonstrations, February 20, 1961
Date Created
1961-11-20
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This is a list of cities that have had demonstrations against lunch counter-discrimination. The following states are listed: Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia--totaling 33 cities. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Race discrimination
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals" article in the Atlanta Inquirer about a ruling on the Interstate Commerce Commission prohibiting discrimination on interstate buses and terminal facilities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals", September 30, 1961
Date Created
1961-09-30
Description
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals" article in the Atlanta Inquirer about a ruling on the Interstate Commerce Commission prohibiting discrimination on interstate buses and terminal facilities. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, Race discrimination, Civil rights movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi, to her mother. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Mother From Ruby D. Smith, June 21, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-21
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
Letter from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi, to her mother. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, Race discrimination, African American women, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article in the Atlanta Inquirer, "Jailed Spelman Coed Writes Atlanta Sit-ins" about Ruby Doris Smith's letter to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee from Hinds County Jail in Jackson, Mississippi. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Jailed Spelman Coed Writes Atlanta Sit ins", June 17, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-17
Description
Article in the Atlanta Inquirer, "Jailed Spelman Coed Writes Atlanta Sit-ins" about Ruby Doris Smith's letter to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee from Hinds County Jail in Jackson, Mississippi. 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
To her mother, the letter is from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Mother From Ruby D. Smith, June 10, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-10
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
To her mother, the letter is from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer article about four Atlanta student leaders who filed a desegregation suit against the City of Atlanta to gain equal access to Atlanta's parks, tennis courts, and City Auditorium. Four student leaders from Atlanta filed a desegregation lawsuit in U.S. District Court on May 17, seeking to abolish racial segregation in all public facilities owned, operated, maintained, or subsidized by the City of Atlanta, Georgia. The students cited refusals of equal use of Atlanta�s parks, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium as the basis for their lawsuit. They filed the suit without an attorney and paid fees for warrants to be served on the defendants. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Sue for Equal Use of Parks", May 20, 1961
Date Created
1961-05-20
Description
Atlanta Inquirer article about four Atlanta student leaders who filed a desegregation suit against the City of Atlanta to gain equal access to Atlanta's parks, tennis courts, and City Auditorium. Four student leaders from Atlanta filed a desegregation lawsuit in U.S. District Court on May 17, seeking to abolish racial segregation in all public facilities owned, operated, maintained, or subsidized by the City of Atlanta, Georgia. The students cited refusals of equal use of Atlanta�s parks, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium as the basis for their lawsuit. They filed the suit without an attorney and paid fees for warrants to be served on the defendants. 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 a newspaper clipping from The Atlanta Journal dated Wednesday, May 17th, 1961. The headline of this newspaper issue is "Negro Leaders Sue In US. Court For Complete Integration." The document is cut out of an article written by Margaret Shannon. In the article, Shannon writes about Members of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Atlanta, seeking desegregation of all city facilities, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium. While the committee chairman stated that the lawsuit does not necessarily mean an end to other forms of protest, they hope to achieve immediate injunctions against ongoing discrimination through legal means. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Negro Leaders Sue in Court", May 17, 1961
Date Created
1961-05-17
Description
This a newspaper clipping from The Atlanta Journal dated Wednesday, May 17th, 1961. The headline of this newspaper issue is "Negro Leaders Sue In US. Court For Complete Integration." The document is cut out of an article written by Margaret Shannon. In the article, Shannon writes about Members of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Atlanta, seeking desegregation of all city facilities, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium. While the committee chairman stated that the lawsuit does not necessarily mean an end to other forms of protest, they hope to achieve immediate injunctions against ongoing discrimination through legal means. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR civil action case against the City of Atlanta. This is a summary of a legal case in which the plaintiffs seek to abolish racial segregation and discrimination in every public facility operated by the City of Atlanta, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and municipal buildings. The plaintiffs represent an estimated 230,000 citizens of Atlanta who are members of the Negro race. The defendants include the City of Atlanta, the Director of Recreation for the City, the General Manager of the Department of Parks, and a judge of the Municipal Court. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prohibit racial discrimination and segregation under color of law. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Civil Action Case, May 16, 1961
Date Created
1961-05-16
Description
COAHR civil action case against the City of Atlanta. This is a summary of a legal case in which the plaintiffs seek to abolish racial segregation and discrimination in every public facility operated by the City of Atlanta, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and municipal buildings. The plaintiffs represent an estimated 230,000 citizens of Atlanta who are members of the Negro race. The defendants include the City of Atlanta, the Director of Recreation for the City, the General Manager of the Department of Parks, and a judge of the Municipal Court. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prohibit racial discrimination and segregation under color of law. 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Segregation
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The front page of The Atlanta Inquirer is dated May 13th, 1961. The headline of the newspaper issue is "Georgia Tech Accepts 3 Negroes". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Inquirer, May 13,1961
Date Created
1961-05-13
Description
The front page of The Atlanta Inquirer is dated May 13th, 1961. The headline of the newspaper issue is "Georgia Tech Accepts 3 Negroes". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Political campaigns, Sports, School integration
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Speaking on behalf of CORE, James Farmer urges immediate action to end segregation in bus, train, and airline terminals, emphasizing the need for sacrifices, deliberate decision-making, and a spirit of reconciliation. CORE plans additional Freedom Rides and requests applications from individuals willing to engage in nonviolent direct action. Accompanied with the letter are two blue-colored applications for CORE and Freedom Rides. 6 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Freedom Ride Correspondence and Applications, May 1961
Date Created
1961-05
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
Speaking on behalf of CORE, James Farmer urges immediate action to end segregation in bus, train, and airline terminals, emphasizing the need for sacrifices, deliberate decision-making, and a spirit of reconciliation. CORE plans additional Freedom Rides and requests applications from individuals willing to engage in nonviolent direct action. Accompanied with the letter are two blue-colored applications for CORE and Freedom Rides. 6 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The front page of The Atlanta Inquirer is dated April 22nd, 1961. The newspaper issue features seven front-page articles:: "Attorney General Tells Inquirer: SIT-INS NOT BAR TO FEDERAL JOBS," "Pool Creek Pigeonholed Again," "Transit Co. Preps Negro Drivers," "Negro Lawyers To Hear Sec. of State Rusk At Biltmore," "Symposium At Clark College Honors Faculty Author," "Lockheed Council Reports Job Forms Pouring In," and "Poole Creek Civic League Prest Ousted." 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Inquirer, April 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-04-22
Description
The front page of The Atlanta Inquirer is dated April 22nd, 1961. The newspaper issue features seven front-page articles:: "Attorney General Tells Inquirer: SIT-INS NOT BAR TO FEDERAL JOBS," "Pool Creek Pigeonholed Again," "Transit Co. Preps Negro Drivers," "Negro Lawyers To Hear Sec. of State Rusk At Biltmore," "Symposium At Clark College Honors Faculty Author," "Lockheed Council Reports Job Forms Pouring In," and "Poole Creek Civic League Prest Ousted." 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Dispute Resolution (Law), Labor
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Jailed In," written by Thomas Gaither, discusses his experience of being jailed for 30 days with eight other students because of their sit-in protest in Rock-Hill, South Carolina. Gaither talks about the events leading to the protest in Rock Hill, South Carolina, preceded by a protest in Greensboro, North Carolina, in February 1960. Afterward, he describes the experience of being arrested and tried in South Carolina. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Jailed In" by Thomas Gaither, April 1961
Date Created
1961-04
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
"Jailed In," written by Thomas Gaither, discusses his experience of being jailed for 30 days with eight other students because of their sit-in protest in Rock-Hill, South Carolina. Gaither talks about the events leading to the protest in Rock Hill, South Carolina, preceded by a protest in Greensboro, North Carolina, in February 1960. Afterward, he describes the experience of being arrested and tried in South Carolina. 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In this letter, James R. Robinson seeks support to sustain and advance the organization's program of action, emphasizing the progress made over the past twenty years, the ongoing struggles for integration, and the need for financial contributions. The letter appeals for support and urges them to make a generous contribution to help achieve a genuine Brotherhood in America. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE, Behind Bars for Freedom Letter, April 1961
Date Created
1961-04
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
In this letter, James R. Robinson seeks support to sustain and advance the organization's program of action, emphasizing the progress made over the past twenty years, the ongoing struggles for integration, and the need for financial contributions. The letter appeals for support and urges them to make a generous contribution to help achieve a genuine Brotherhood in America. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) issued a protest telegram to the Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, expressing condemnation of the treatment of African American citizens in Jackson, Mississippi. The telegram criticized the "barbarous and uncivil display" exhibited by law enforcement officials during a peaceful protest outside the courthouse. The protest aimed to support nine African American college students who had been jailed for seeking service in a public library. SNCC urged Governor Barnett to take decisive action to end the unjust treatment of Mississippi's African American population. Additionally, the SNCC commended the students of Tougaloo College for their efforts against racial segregation in Jackson and praised their dedication, nonviolent spirit, courage, and vision of a free society. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Letter regarding Mississippi Governor, March 31, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-31
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) issued a protest telegram to the Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, expressing condemnation of the treatment of African American citizens in Jackson, Mississippi. The telegram criticized the "barbarous and uncivil display" exhibited by law enforcement officials during a peaceful protest outside the courthouse. The protest aimed to support nine African American college students who had been jailed for seeking service in a public library. SNCC urged Governor Barnett to take decisive action to end the unjust treatment of Mississippi's African American population. Additionally, the SNCC commended the students of Tougaloo College for their efforts against racial segregation in Jackson and praised their dedication, nonviolent spirit, courage, and vision of a free society. 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
Correspondence from Warren Scott, the Episcopal Chaplain at the Atlanta University Center, inviting Mary Ann Smith to dinner at the Canterbury House. The dinner guests are "members of the Canterbury Association who were in jail, some student movement leaders, and others." 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From Warren Scott, March 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-22
Author
Scott, Warren
Description
Correspondence from Warren Scott, the Episcopal Chaplain at the Atlanta University Center, inviting Mary Ann Smith to dinner at the Canterbury House. The dinner guests are "members of the Canterbury Association who were in jail, some student movement leaders, and others." 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
Correspondence from William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe to Mary Ann Smith notifying her of a meeting for the Atlanta Student Adult Liaison. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe, March 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-22
Author
Borders, Williams H., Lowe, C.M.
Description
Correspondence from William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe to Mary Ann Smith notifying her of a meeting for the Atlanta Student Adult Liaison. 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