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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Lonnie C. King describes how some Black leaders have not supported their efforts for equality. However, he notes that the community has united to fight racial segregation, with various professions and groups joining the picket lines and forming committees to support the boycott. Despite some losing their jobs, the author argues that the fight for freedom and equality must continue and calls on these few leaders to join in the struggle. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, December 9, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-09
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
Lonnie C. King describes how some Black leaders have not supported their efforts for equality. However, he notes that the community has united to fight racial segregation, with various professions and groups joining the picket lines and forming committees to support the boycott. Despite some losing their jobs, the author argues that the fight for freedom and equality must continue and calls on these few leaders to join in 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
M. Carl Holman discusses the civil service system's unfair treatment of qualified Black Americans and emphasizes the importance of preparation and education for job opportunities. The author highlights the high number of Black college students failing civil service exams, which he believes results from apathy among students, teachers, and administrators. The author urges everyone to recognize the problem and take action. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Who Else Flunked The Gov't Exams?", by M. Carl Holman, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Author
Holman, Moses C., 1919-1988
Description
M. Carl Holman discusses the civil service system's unfair treatment of qualified Black Americans and emphasizes the importance of preparation and education for job opportunities. The author highlights the high number of Black college students failing civil service exams, which he believes results from apathy among students, teachers, and administrators. The author urges everyone to recognize the problem and take action. 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
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about segregation and race relations in the city. On the second page of the Atlanta Inquirer, each piece pertains to the Civil Rights Movement: "Looking the Other Way" by M. Carl Holman, "Separate But Not Equal" by Jesse O. Thomas, "Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, and "The Bible Speaks" by Rev. John A. Middleton. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-17
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about segregation and race relations in the city. On the second page of the Atlanta Inquirer, each piece pertains to the Civil Rights Movement: "Looking the Other Way" by M. Carl Holman, "Separate But Not Equal" by Jesse O. Thomas, "Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, and "The Bible Speaks" by Rev. John A. Middleton. 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
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
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
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
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King highlights students in the Atlanta Student Movement. Mary Ann Smith (Morris Brown College), James Felder (Clark College), Benjamin Brown (Clark College), Carolyn Long (Clark College), Ruby Doris Smith (Spelman), John Lee Gibson (Morehouse College), Julian Bond (Morehouse College), and James Oliver Gibson (Duquesne University) were noted. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, September 19, 1960
Date Created
1960-09-19
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King highlights students in the Atlanta Student Movement. Mary Ann Smith (Morris Brown College), James Felder (Clark College), Benjamin Brown (Clark College), Carolyn Long (Clark College), Ruby Doris Smith (Spelman), John Lee Gibson (Morehouse College), Julian Bond (Morehouse College), and James Oliver Gibson (Duquesne University) were noted. 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
Articles about segregation policies, racial voting demographics, and the 1960 Presidential Election Race between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon the day before November 8th elections. The Atlanta Inquirer contrasts both presidential candidates' platforms. The articles depict two Spelman students, one in her junior year and the other in her senior, holding signs showing their backed candidate (Nixon-Lodge and Kennedy-Johnson). An illustration of a political cartoon shows a man standing in-between two posters; one saying "For President, Kennedy," and the other saying " For President, Nixon." At the bottom of the cartoon, it says, "The Man or The Party?". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"9 City Vote Trend Shown", November 7, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-07
Description
Articles about segregation policies, racial voting demographics, and the 1960 Presidential Election Race between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon the day before November 8th elections. The Atlanta Inquirer contrasts both presidential candidates' platforms. The articles depict two Spelman students, one in her junior year and the other in her senior, holding signs showing their backed candidate (Nixon-Lodge and Kennedy-Johnson). An illustration of a political cartoon shows a man standing in-between two posters; one saying "For President, Kennedy," and the other saying " For President, Nixon." At the bottom of the cartoon, it says, "The Man or The Party?". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Political participation, Voting, Presidents
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Christmas Eve edition of the Atlanta Inquirer was published on December 24th, 1960. The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about community meetings against segregation at church, the "economic withdrawal of Negro trade and Negro money" as an effective tool in ending segregation, and the funding gap in Black and White schools. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-24
Description
The Christmas Eve edition of the Atlanta Inquirer was published on December 24th, 1960. The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about community meetings against segregation at church, the "economic withdrawal of Negro trade and Negro money" as an effective tool in ending segregation, and the funding gap in Black and White schools. 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
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about the increased opposition to the Atlanta Student Movement, clarification about the movement's mission, and parents' concern over the unequal facilities for student athletics amongst White and Black schools. Articles include Lonnie King's "Let Freedom Ring," "More Than A Statistic," E. Chatman's "A Parent's Concern," "Former Georgian Comes Home," and "Who Sets the Quota?" 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, September 12, 1960
Date Created
1960-09-12
Description
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about the increased opposition to the Atlanta Student Movement, clarification about the movement's mission, and parents' concern over the unequal facilities for student athletics amongst White and Black schools. Articles include Lonnie King's "Let Freedom Ring," "More Than A Statistic," E. Chatman's "A Parent's Concern," "Former Georgian Comes Home," and "Who Sets the Quota?" 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
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman urging for "open lines of communication" to support a more collaborative decade ahead, including communication between students and teachers throughout the institutions of the Atlanta University Center. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Inquirer Speaks", by M. Carl Holman, December 31, 1961
Date Created
1960-12-31
Author
Holman, Moses C., 1919-1988
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman urging for "open lines of communication" to support a more collaborative decade ahead, including communication between students and teachers throughout the institutions of the Atlanta University Center. 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
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
Correspondence from Julian Bond at the House of Representatives Atlanta office to Ruby Doris Smith at Beth Israel Hospital. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Julian Bond, February 16, 1967
Date Created
1967-02-16
Author
Bond, Julian, 1940-2015
Description
Correspondence from Julian Bond at the House of Representatives Atlanta office to Ruby Doris Smith at Beth Israel Hospital. 2 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
Correspondence to Ruby Smith from Dinky and an unidentified person discussing recent life out of state. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby Doris Smith From Dinky and Unidentified Person, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Description
Correspondence to Ruby Smith from Dinky and an unidentified person discussing recent life out of state. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King about Atlanta's many adult leaders in the student movement, and how that differs from other cities with one or two non student leaders. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, August 21, 1960
Date Created
1960-08-21
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King about Atlanta's many adult leaders in the student movement, and how that differs from other cities with one or two non student leaders. 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
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer about the lack of training opportunities and facilities for Black physicians and post graduates that Hughes Spalding Pavilion was to provide. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Auditor's Figures Not the Whole Story at Hughes Spalding", August, 21, 1960
Date Created
1960-08-21
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer about the lack of training opportunities and facilities for Black physicians and post graduates that Hughes Spalding Pavilion was to provide. 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
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King about the current efforts of the Atlanta Student Movement, and a call to continue to refuse to fund businesses that are segregated. King also writes about what the student movement needs, and how readers can get involved. 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 about the current efforts of the Atlanta Student Movement, and a call to continue to refuse to fund businesses that are segregated. King also writes about what the student movement needs, and how readers can get involved. 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
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King about the determination of Atlanta Student Movement, and a reminder that students are fighting for the freedom of all. King urges readers to let students know "we are with them." 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, October 10, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-10
Author
King, Lonnie C., Jr. 1936-2019
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King about the determination of Atlanta Student Movement, and a reminder that students are fighting for the freedom of all. King urges readers to let students know "we are with them." 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
Articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about state public school inequities, lack of books in schools, and continued student demonstrations and protests. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, September 26, 1960
Date Created
1960-09-26
Description
Articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about state public school inequities, lack of books in schools, and continued student demonstrations and protests. 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
Front page articles of the Atlanta Inquirer highlighting the election of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and attributing it to Black voter turnout. Articles also bring attention to the needs for Black students. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Negroes Clinched Kennedy Win", November 14, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-14
Description
Front page articles of the Atlanta Inquirer highlighting the election of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and attributing it to Black voter turnout. Articles also bring attention to the needs for Black students. 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