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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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
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
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
COAHR meeting notes about student demonstrations and planning. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, March 7, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-07
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR meeting notes about student demonstrations and planning. 11 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
In Fayette and Haywood counties in Tennessee, African American families faced evictions and boycotts after registering to vote. The evictees set up a tent city called "Freedom Village" as they refused to leave their homes. Operation Freedom, a nationwide initiative, was established to provide financial assistance, including loans and gifts, to support those affected by the evictions and boycotts. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"A Call for Help", March 1961
Date Created
1961-03
Creator
Operation Freedom
Description
In Fayette and Haywood counties in Tennessee, African American families faced evictions and boycotts after registering to vote. The evictees set up a tent city called "Freedom Village" as they refused to leave their homes. Operation Freedom, a nationwide initiative, was established to provide financial assistance, including loans and gifts, to support those affected by the evictions and boycotts. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Demographic surveys, Race discrimination, Voter registration
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Ruby Doris Smith to her sister Mary Ann Smith from York County Jail. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter From Ruby Doris Smith to Her Sister Mary Ann Smith, February 25, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-25
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
Correspondence from Ruby Doris Smith to her sister Mary Ann Smith from York County Jail. 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
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Freedom Riders, June 2, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Description
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In February 1961, a memo from Richard Haley, Field Secretary of CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), discussed the repressive treatments of African Americans in Fayette and Haywood Counties, Tennessee, and referred to Robert Boyd's investigation of these counties. The memo highlighted the denial of credit, evictions, voter suppression, and restrictions on gasoline purchases faced by registered Black farmers and outlined efforts by CORE and other organizations to assist, including supplies and funds for land-sharing and a loan fund. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE, Fayette, Haywood Counties, February 11, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
In February 1961, a memo from Richard Haley, Field Secretary of CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), discussed the repressive treatments of African Americans in Fayette and Haywood Counties, Tennessee, and referred to Robert Boyd's investigation of these counties. The memo highlighted the denial of credit, evictions, voter suppression, and restrictions on gasoline purchases faced by registered Black farmers and outlined efforts by CORE and other organizations to assist, including supplies and funds for land-sharing and a loan fund. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Demographic surveys, Race discrimination, Voter registration
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The article "Doing What Comes Naturally," by Holman, was published in the Atlanta Inquirer on February 4th, 1941. Holman criticized Wilma Rudolph for lacking cordiality during her visit to Atlanta. The writer suggested that some Negro athletes use a masquerade when speaking on social issues. However, others argue that athletes should not be limited in expressing their opinions, and Wilma Rudolph was regarded as genuine and gracious by most people she met in Atlanta. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Doing What Comes Naturally", February 4, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-04
Description
The article "Doing What Comes Naturally," by Holman, was published in the Atlanta Inquirer on February 4th, 1941. Holman criticized Wilma Rudolph for lacking cordiality during her visit to Atlanta. The writer suggested that some Negro athletes use a masquerade when speaking on social issues. However, others argue that athletes should not be limited in expressing their opinions, and Wilma Rudolph was regarded as genuine and gracious by most people she met in Atlanta. 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
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes discussing recent movement activities and jailing. Note to meet again within two weeks. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, February 1961
Date Created
1961-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes discussing recent movement activities and jailing. Note to meet again within two weeks. 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
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are "Seventy-Seven Years of Service," Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, January 28, 1961
Date Created
1961-01-28
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are "Seventy-Seven Years of Service," Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about political influence on race discrimination related to recent local events and the inaugural ball. Articles featured in this issue are "Signs Of The Times," Holman's "The Inquirer Speaks," "Black Week." accompanied by a political cartoon, and "Letters The Editor". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, January 21, 1961
Date Created
1961-01-21
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about political influence on race discrimination related to recent local events and the inaugural ball. Articles featured in this issue are "Signs Of The Times," Holman's "The Inquirer Speaks," "Black Week." accompanied by a political cartoon, and "Letters The Editor". 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