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.

For:
  • Subjects = African American students
This document has two articles; one is titled "From Sit-Ins to Sell-Outs. A Call to Action NOW" by Atmore T. Simpson, and the other article is titled "The Truth About the Atlanta Sit-downs and the Role of Martin Luther King" by C.B Williams. Simpson discusses the sell-out by the Black middle-class leadership in Atlanta, comparing it to the betrayal of Judas in the Bible. It criticizes the repeated betrayals by Black leadership and traces this pattern before to the time of Booker T. Washington. The recent sell-out involved an agreement between Black leaders and white merchants to reopen segregated lunch counters and eliminate boycotts and demonstrations. The article urges Black individuals to assert their determination, boycott downtown stores, support genuine leaders, and continue the struggle for freedom. It also highlights the discontent among students and the role of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a report on Student Voice Newsletter, coordinated by Julian and Mark. The document is a transcription of the newsletter project for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Julian presented a report on Student Voice as a long-term program. The main topic of discussion was funding for the program, particularly a project that requires $28,600 for new equipment. Concerns were raised about the cost of mailing and distribution, the need for an editorial page, and the format of S.V. There was a suggestion to contact college editors and put S.V. on a subscription basis. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document covers the widespread civil rights demonstrations on Election Day, organized by students across the United States. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the urgent need for adequate civil rights guarantees. Hundreds of sign-carrying students participated in the Chicago demonstration, which reminded both political parties about the importance of racial equality. The protests were initiated in response to a call from the Atlanta conference of student sit-in leaders, sponsored by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Students marched in various cities, including New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh, demanding executive orders to support embattled African Americans, end discrimination in federally supported housing, and ensure the right to vote for all citizens. The demonstrations highlighted that the fight for civil rights transcends party lines, and students emphasized their commitment to the year-round battle against racial discrimination. The text emphasizes the significance of these demonstrations, showcasing the immense support for the civil rights movement among Northern students, and emphasizes the need for continuous and coordinated activism to achieve lasting change. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document for the student conference at Shaw University, explores the psychology behind non-violent resistance, comparing it to the principles of Jiu-jitsu. It describes how non-violence and goodwill can cause an attacker to lose moral balance and feel insecure. The victim's kindness, generosity, and voluntary suffering pull the attacker forward, further destabilizing them. The document emphasizes that violence exhausts the attacker, and the appeals of a non-violent resister appeal to their more decent and kindly motives, creating a conflict within the attacker's personality. The presence of onlookers further affects the attacker's poise and perception of their conduct. The document asserts that when conducted openly, non-violent resistance can garner public support and react against the attacker. It highlights the advantages of the non-violent resister, including moral initiative, self-control, conservation of energy, and sincerity, which is seen as a powerful force. The refusal to use violence is seen as a sign of respect for the assailant's personality and moral integrity. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a schedule of the "Youth Leadership Conference On Nonviolent Resistance" held at Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina. The program shows a three-day conference. Student leaders and activists converged at Shaw University to discuss and organize committees for the student sit-in movement, topics of protesting and picketing, the philosophy of nonviolence, and the legal implications of sit-in protest with the risk of jail. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document presents six fundamental aspects of nonviolence as outlined by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It emphasizes that nonviolent resistance is not for cowards and requires active spiritual engagement. Nonviolence seeks to win the friendship and understanding of opponents rather than defeat or humiliate them. The focus is on combating forces of evil, not individuals perpetrating evil. Nonviolent resisters are willing to accept suffering without retaliation and believe in the redemptive power of unearned suffering. Internal violence of the spirit, such as hate, is rejected in favor of love as the guiding principle. Nonviolent resistance is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice, instilling faith in a future of cosmic companionship and universal wholeness. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document offers a firsthand account of the Dharasana Salt Satyagraha, where many volunteers in India protested against police regulations. Following Gandhi's principle of non-violence, the volunteers endured beatings without retaliating. The report emphasizes the discipline, determination, and refusal to disperse demonstrated by the volunteers, who viewed their injuries as martyrdom for the cause of Indian independence. The scenes witnessed were astonishing, defying the expectation of violence, and the reporter expresses feelings of disgust and emotional impact, having covered numerous civil disturbances and rebellions in the past.  2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document contains the minutes and reports document from the first meeting of the Temporary Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from May 13-14, 1960, with Marion S. Berry, Jr. as the chairman and James Thomas as the secretary. The document offers the attendance and agenda, the statement of purpose for SNCC, committee reports,  and drafted press releases. Key figures mentioned: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Lonnie C. King, Ella Baker, and Marion S. Barry. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is an excerpt from the Atlanta Daily World Newspaper, expressing support for human dignity and equal rights for Negro citizens. The article acknowledges the contributions of Negro citizens to the city's progress and highlights their ongoing efforts for economic, civic, and cultural development. It references previous appeals for human rights and nonviolent protests by Atlanta University Center students, including sit-in efforts and a march to the State Capitol. The endorsement calls for equal job opportunities and condemns the unjust treatment of Negroes in employment practices. It also raises questions about the slow progress in achieving equal citizenship rights for Negroes, despite the passage of time since the Emancipation Proclamation. The endorsers emphasize distinguishing between peaceful protesters asserting their rights and those engaging in violence or hatred. The statement concludes with a call for unity, justice, and brotherhood in Atlanta. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a submitted statement from The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Immigration of the National Republican Convention. The written statement discusses the grievances against racial segregation and unequal treatment of African Americans. The statement petitioned the Republican party for legislative cooperation with SNCC and a civil rights political platform. Further, the statement lists Black voters' needs: education, employment, voting, and legal protection. A key figure mentioned is Marion S. Barry. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An identification card for the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) fall conference. The conference was held from October 14th to 16th, 1960. The card asks for an individual's name, school affiliation, organization, home address, and workshop number. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This contact directory document is alphabetically organized by state (Alabama to Washington, D.C). The directory includes individual names, addresses, school year classifications, and organization, if applicable. Key figures mentioned: Lonnie C. King, John Lewis, Ella J. Baker, and Otis Moss, Jr.  17 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is the rules and regulations for the general conference of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee from October 14th-16th in Atlanta, Georgia. The document lists out the quorums, voting privileges, speaking privileges, duties of officers during meeting sessions, parliamentary procedures, the general provisions for committees, coordination, a list of represented states, finances, election day logistics, and communication. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and student leader Lonnie King, along with other members of the sit-in group, refuse bail following their arrest for violating the state�s trespass law in Fulton County on Wednesday. On Wednesday at 9:00 AM, around 200 students gathered on the Atlanta University campus to break into 11 groups and go to specific eating facilities in the city, marking the beginning of the sit-ins. After being arrested for disturbing the peace, the students remained calm even as they were held in the modern Jefferson Street prison. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a steering committee meeting document for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee with the minutes, proposed agenda with a schedule, and recommendations for finances and communications for SNCC. The sections of the committee report include the coordination of the organization with notes from the general conference, communication logistics, and finances of SNCC. In the financial report section, there is a list of receipts of funds received and paid out from October 16 to November 22, 1960. A key figure mentioned is Marion S. Barry, Jr. 10 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document has two items: a correspondence letter from Edward B. King to SNCC about the minutes from the Coordinating Committee meeting on November 25th-27th, 1960, and the minutes from the meeting. In the letter, King urges other coordinating committee members to review the minutes and follow the recommendations passed by delegates from the SNCC general conference. He also encourages recipients of the letter to confirm if they can attend future meetings and events. The record minutes include a review of the October general conference, communication, finances, area reports, office reports, and the future role of the coordinating committee. Some key figures mentioned are Ella Baker and Martin Luther King, Jr. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a correspondence letter from Edward B. King. Jr., to Mary Ann Smith on December 30th, 1960. In the letter, King reminds Smith that the Coordinating Committee voted to meet on January 7th, 1961, on the Fisk University campus. King explains the meeting is about the final plans for the February 1st "Sit-In" Anniversary Action Day Project and requests Mary Ann Smith to respond if she plans on attending the meeting. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is in commemoration, titled "February 1st Freedom Day Action",  of the first sit-in protest on February 1st, 1960. The document celebrates successful sit-in protests across the United States because of the large-scale participation from students. The document highlights the events before and after February 1st. As well the document mentions the Sit-In protest at theaters across the country. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism