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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Clark Atlanta University Inside Newsletter. The newsletter publication highlights concerns and news for students and faculty. Also featured is a timeline of Atlanta University. The invitation for the Atlanta University Center's 30th Anniversary Salute is shown in the newsletter. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Clark Atlanta University Inside Newsletter, November 1990
Date Created
1990-11
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Clark Atlanta University Inside Newsletter. The newsletter publication highlights concerns and news for students and faculty. Also featured is a timeline of Atlanta University. The invitation for the Atlanta University Center's 30th Anniversary Salute is shown in the newsletter. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges, College student newspapers and periodicals
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An invitation booklet for the commemoration event of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event, RSVP and Donation Card, October 1990
Date Created
1990-10
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An invitation booklet for the commemoration event of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights 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
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91. The Drafting Subcommittee of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) held its first meeting on December 27-28, 1990, chaired by Dr. Mary Ann Wilson and attended by several members including Charles Black and Roslyn Pope. The members decided to address the draft's second appeal to African-Americans, with a focus on increased self-reliance and reinforcing their self-esteem and economic empowerment, while insisting on the attainment of full rights of American citizenship. Deadlines were established for the completion of the draft text, which would take into account the points raised during the discussion. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee Meeting Notes, December 27-28, 1990
Date Created
1990-12-27
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91. The Drafting Subcommittee of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) held its first meeting on December 27-28, 1990, chaired by Dr. Mary Ann Wilson and attended by several members including Charles Black and Roslyn Pope. The members decided to address the draft's second appeal to African-Americans, with a focus on increased self-reliance and reinforcing their self-esteem and economic empowerment, while insisting on the attainment of full rights of American citizenship. Deadlines were established for the completion of the draft text, which would take into account the points raised during the discussion. 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
A thank you letter from Brenda to the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) for participation in the committee. Cole reminds members that there will be another meeting held on March 24th, 1991 at the Woodruff Library. The meeting is to create a combined draft for a new appeal. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee Memo, March 12, 1991
Date Created
1991-03-12
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A thank you letter from Brenda to the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights (COAHR) for participation in the committee. Cole reminds members that there will be another meeting held on March 24th, 1991 at the Woodruff Library. The meeting is to create a combined draft for a new appeal. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
30th-anniversary salute to Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. Featured civil rights activists were Mayor Maynard Jackson, Mayor Andrew Young, Coretta Scott King, Dr. Joseph H. Lowery, Evelyn Lowery, John Lewis, Ivan Allen Jr., Ruby D. Smith Robinson, and Mary Ann S. Wilson. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Program Event, November 10th, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-10
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
30th-anniversary salute to Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. Featured civil rights activists were Mayor Maynard Jackson, Mayor Andrew Young, Coretta Scott King, Dr. Joseph H. Lowery, Evelyn Lowery, John Lewis, Ivan Allen Jr., Ruby D. Smith Robinson, and Mary Ann S. Wilson. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda is from the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on January 1st, 2000. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Agenda, January 5, 2000
Date Created
2000-01-05
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda is from the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on January 1st, 2000. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda for the Committee on the Appeal For Human Rights held on November 18th, 2000. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Agenda, November 18, 2000
Date Created
2000-11-18
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda for the Committee on the Appeal For Human Rights held on November 18th, 2000. 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
An agenda from the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on February 10th, 2000. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Civil Rights Committee Agenda, February 10, 2000
Date Created
2000-02-10
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda from the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on February 10th, 2000. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A correspondence letter from Lonnie C. King Jr. to Mary Ann Sumral. Lonnie C. King Jr. reflects on a reunion of former members of the Student Movement in Atlanta in 2000 and notes the lack of young African-American students in attendance, who allegedly did not see the need to participate because they did not face the same problems as their predecessors. King points out that the problem of racial profiling of African American men and other discriminatory actions reflect "Separate but Equal" conditions in a hidden way yet African American Youth are not concerned with such issues. This implies a problem with the education and awareness of present-day African-American youth regarding their history and the ongoing issue of racism in America. King Jr. proposes a solution to incorporate African American history into the curriculum of undergraduate schools in Atlanta and requests financial support from like-minded people to achieve this goal. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Correspondence Lonnie King to Mary Ann Sumral, November 6, 2000
Date Created
2000-11-06
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A correspondence letter from Lonnie C. King Jr. to Mary Ann Sumral. Lonnie C. King Jr. reflects on a reunion of former members of the Student Movement in Atlanta in 2000 and notes the lack of young African-American students in attendance, who allegedly did not see the need to participate because they did not face the same problems as their predecessors. King points out that the problem of racial profiling of African American men and other discriminatory actions reflect "Separate but Equal" conditions in a hidden way yet African American Youth are not concerned with such issues. This implies a problem with the education and awareness of present-day African-American youth regarding their history and the ongoing issue of racism in America. King Jr. proposes a solution to incorporate African American history into the curriculum of undergraduate schools in Atlanta and requests financial support from like-minded people to achieve this goal. 3 pages.
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
A flyer for the commemoration event of the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Student Movement and the Appel for Human Rights held at Trevor Arnett Quadrangle. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Flyer, March 31, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-31
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A flyer for the commemoration event of the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Student Movement and the Appel for Human Rights held at Trevor Arnett Quadrangle. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special eventss, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The booklet details how the Atlanta Inquirer is holding a 40th-anniversary scholarship banquet on August 11, 2000, to celebrate its founding. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel and will honor founding members of the Committee On Appeal For Human Rights and other notable figures, such as Mayor William "Bill" Campbell and Judge Horace T. Ward. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Invitation and Insert, August 12, 2000
Date Created
2000-08-12
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The booklet details how the Atlanta Inquirer is holding a 40th-anniversary scholarship banquet on August 11, 2000, to celebrate its founding. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel and will honor founding members of the Committee On Appeal For Human Rights and other notable figures, such as Mayor William "Bill" Campbell and Judge Horace T. Ward. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special eventss
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda for the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on March 6th, 2000. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Committee Notes, March 06, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-06
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda for the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on March 6th, 2000. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda for the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on March 20th, 2000. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Committee Notes, March 20, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-20
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda for the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on March 20th, 2000. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda for the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on March 6th, 2000 with personal notes at the bottom. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Committee Notes, March 6,2000
Date Created
2000-03-06
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda for the 40th anniversary Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee held on March 6th, 2000 with personal notes at the bottom. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Planning Committee, chaired by Lonnie C. King, held a meeting to discuss the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Appeal of 1960. King wants to update the appeal and desires the input of the students. Herschelle presented six preliminary drafts for input for the Second Appeal, mentioning that Atlanta is desegregated, there is still discrimination in levels of banking credit allocated to white businesses as opposed to Black businesses, and there are many issues, including environmental justice. The Committee scheduled a meeting on February 28 to continue work. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Meeting `, February 29, 2000
Date Created
2000-02-29
Description
The Planning Committee, chaired by Lonnie C. King, held a meeting to discuss the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Appeal of 1960. King wants to update the appeal and desires the input of the students. Herschelle presented six preliminary drafts for input for the Second Appeal, mentioning that Atlanta is desegregated, there is still discrimination in levels of banking credit allocated to white businesses as opposed to Black businesses, and there are many issues, including environmental justice. The Committee scheduled a meeting on February 28 to continue work. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Planning Committee meeting held on January 5, 2000, at the Kilgore Campus Center, Morehouse College, discussed reports from the Sub-Committees that presented options for the commemoration of the celebration, with Willis and Karen being asked to work on the exhibit and a more formal notion of the monument. The planning committee compressed the celebration from three days to two, and the draft report from the second appeal committee was discussed, with a discussion of the budget, and members recognizing that money was needed to support the activities such as the full-page advertisement of the second appeal. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Meeting, January 5, 200
Date Created
2000-01-05
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The Planning Committee meeting held on January 5, 2000, at the Kilgore Campus Center, Morehouse College, discussed reports from the Sub-Committees that presented options for the commemoration of the celebration, with Willis and Karen being asked to work on the exhibit and a more formal notion of the monument. The planning committee compressed the celebration from three days to two, and the draft report from the second appeal committee was discussed, with a discussion of the budget, and members recognizing that money was needed to support the activities such as the full-page advertisement of the second appeal. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An agenda, memorandum, and correspondence letter surrounding the 40th-year commemoration of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. The Committee on Appeal for Human Rights held a planning session for its 40th anniversary, discussing various proposals including staffing considerations, proposed activities, an Atlanta Inquirer proposal, an oral history project, and a commemorative monument, as well as resources needed such as staffing, funds, and support from the City of Atlanta and County, and established a schedule of future meetings. In a letter from Johnny E. Parham, Jr. to Lonnie King regarding the fortieth anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement, it is suggested that the City of Atlanta pay tribute to past participants and present them with keys to the city and state and that a follow-up report titled "A Look at Atlanta, Forty Years Later" be compiled by the AU Center as a student project and presented during the anniversary. The letter discusses plans for commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Student Movement, including a freedom run to generate funds for scholarships, a day of workshops, and a banquet to honor supporters, with the Atlanta Inquirer chronicling the journey of the movement and highlighting participants and their contributions. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Planning Session Agenda, September 30, 1999
Date Created
1999-09-30
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An agenda, memorandum, and correspondence letter surrounding the 40th-year commemoration of the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. The Committee on Appeal for Human Rights held a planning session for its 40th anniversary, discussing various proposals including staffing considerations, proposed activities, an Atlanta Inquirer proposal, an oral history project, and a commemorative monument, as well as resources needed such as staffing, funds, and support from the City of Atlanta and County, and established a schedule of future meetings. In a letter from Johnny E. Parham, Jr. to Lonnie King regarding the fortieth anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement, it is suggested that the City of Atlanta pay tribute to past participants and present them with keys to the city and state and that a follow-up report titled "A Look at Atlanta, Forty Years Later" be compiled by the AU Center as a student project and presented during the anniversary. The letter discusses plans for commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Student Movement, including a freedom run to generate funds for scholarships, a day of workshops, and a banquet to honor supporters, with the Atlanta Inquirer chronicling the journey of the movement and highlighting participants and their contributions. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special events
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A program for the 40th-anniversary commemoration event of the Appeal for Human Rights and Atlanta Student Movement. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Program, 2000
Date Created
2000
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A program for the 40th-anniversary commemoration event of the Appeal for Human Rights and Atlanta Student Movement. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special eventss
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Four certificates were awarded to members of the family, including the mother, aunt, and two brothers. The mother, Julia Gibson, was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, and her activism inspired her son John Gibson and Julian Bond to create a program to educate the Black community about the "Student Movement." John, along with Julian and Carl Holman, started the Atlanta Enquirer, a weekly newspaper that provided objective, positive, and comprehensive coverage of the Civil Rights Movement. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Remarks, Acceptance of Certificates, circa 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Four certificates were awarded to members of the family, including the mother, aunt, and two brothers. The mother, Julia Gibson, was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, and her activism inspired her son John Gibson and Julian Bond to create a program to educate the Black community about the "Student Movement." John, along with Julian and Carl Holman, started the Atlanta Enquirer, a weekly newspaper that provided objective, positive, and comprehensive coverage of the Civil Rights Movement. 5 pages.
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
Remarks from the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement. The author of the remarks states the beginning of the Atlanta Student movement in March of 1960 and the students from the Atlanta University Center joining in the battle for Civil Rights. They used non-violent means such as sit-ins, kneel-ins, and picket lines to push for desegregation and promote the hiring of Black people in higher positions. The students persevered despite facing physical beatings and isolation from friends and family, and their actions quickened the pace of racial desegregation and changed the course of history in Atlanta and the South. Today, the struggle for economic, political, and social parity continues, and the author presents a second "Appeal" to challenge the current generation to take positive action for change. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Remarks, circa 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Remarks from the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement. The author of the remarks states the beginning of the Atlanta Student movement in March of 1960 and the students from the Atlanta University Center joining in the battle for Civil Rights. They used non-violent means such as sit-ins, kneel-ins, and picket lines to push for desegregation and promote the hiring of Black people in higher positions. The students persevered despite facing physical beatings and isolation from friends and family, and their actions quickened the pace of racial desegregation and changed the course of history in Atlanta and the South. Today, the struggle for economic, political, and social parity continues, and the author presents a second "Appeal" to challenge the current generation to take positive action for change. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism