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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A Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) poster depicting students in a crowd with arms extended and clapping.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee "Now!" Poster, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
A Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) poster depicting students in a crowd with arms extended and clapping.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A group of white Southern ministers from the Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches has issued a statement expressing their conviction that racial discrimination in America is morally wrong and must be addressed by the church. They denounce the use of the Bible to justify white supremacy and call on all Christians to act with humility and conviction to promote full human brotherhood. They believe that it is their responsibility as Christian ministers to make clear statements of their position on concrete social issues and to exercise vigorous civic leadership to promote interracial contacts and protect the rights of minority groups. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Demonstration, A Call to Christian Action, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A group of white Southern ministers from the Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches has issued a statement expressing their conviction that racial discrimination in America is morally wrong and must be addressed by the church. They denounce the use of the Bible to justify white supremacy and call on all Christians to act with humility and conviction to promote full human brotherhood. They believe that it is their responsibility as Christian ministers to make clear statements of their position on concrete social issues and to exercise vigorous civic leadership to promote interracial contacts and protect the rights of minority groups. 2 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
Notes from the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights meeting discussing future meeting dates and information pertaining to the Sit-Ins. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights meeting discussing future meeting dates and information pertaining to the Sit-Ins. 4 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
Notes from the Action Committee Report referring to the integration of the lunch counters. The note drafts the conditions and plan of action for the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights and how it regards the protesting movements. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Action Committee Reports, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from the Action Committee Report referring to the integration of the lunch counters. The note drafts the conditions and plan of action for the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights and how it regards the protesting movements. 2 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
Notes referring to student activism and the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. The action report, summarized by the note, is referring to trying to get the administration to agree to have students have 3-5 days off and the students wearing a Kennedy button and be placed throughout the town to direct other students and tell them where to go for protesting. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting adopted Action report, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes referring to student activism and the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. The action report, summarized by the note, is referring to trying to get the administration to agree to have students have 3-5 days off and the students wearing a Kennedy button and be placed throughout the town to direct other students and tell them where to go for protesting. 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
A meeting agenda discussing demonstrations, marches, and the possibility of a new emphasis in the movement with Stand-Ins. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Agenda, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A meeting agenda discussing demonstrations, marches, and the possibility of a new emphasis in the movement with Stand-Ins. 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
A meeting agenda with featured figures James Felder and Otis Moss. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Agenda With Negotiations, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A meeting agenda with featured figures James Felder and Otis Moss. 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
Notes from the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights meeting. Notes discuss donation amounts and pricing for various items. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights meeting. Notes discuss donation amounts and pricing for various items. 7 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
Notes from a meeting concerning public relations. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes from a meeting concerning public relations. 2 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
A judge in Municipal Court in Atlanta, James Webb, stayed late to hear the cases of 59 African-American students arrested during a sit-in demonstration. He sent 56 of them to Fulton Criminal Court on $300 bonds, while three others who had already made bonds were also bound over. All 59 students made property bonds, but one juvenile stayed in jail. Two white youths were also ordered to spend 30 days in the city stockade for failing to move at a police officer's order after one of them kicked a Negro radio station reporter. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Managers Testify in Sit In Hearings, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A judge in Municipal Court in Atlanta, James Webb, stayed late to hear the cases of 59 African-American students arrested during a sit-in demonstration. He sent 56 of them to Fulton Criminal Court on $300 bonds, while three others who had already made bonds were also bound over. All 59 students made property bonds, but one juvenile stayed in jail. Two white youths were also ordered to spend 30 days in the city stockade for failing to move at a police officer's order after one of them kicked a Negro radio station reporter. 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
Notes referring to a meeting held by the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Meeting Notes, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Notes referring to a meeting held by the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. 2 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
A statement about the "Sit-in" protest from the Episcopal Protestant Church: the paper addresses the legal aspects of the protests; it also explores the concept of Christian conscience and civil disobedience, highlighting that while Christian teaching emphasizes obedience to the law, it also recognizes the right to civil disobedience in certain circumstances. The paper concludes by suggesting various positive actions that Church members should take in response to the nationwide impact of the protests. 15 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Protestant Episcopal Church, Authoritative Statement, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Description
A statement about the "Sit-in" protest from the Episcopal Protestant Church: the paper addresses the legal aspects of the protests; it also explores the concept of Christian conscience and civil disobedience, highlighting that while Christian teaching emphasizes obedience to the law, it also recognizes the right to civil disobedience in certain circumstances. The paper concludes by suggesting various positive actions that Church members should take in response to the nationwide impact of the protests. 15 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, Groups and organizations, Protest movements, African Americans--Religion, Church history
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In March 1960, Black college students staged a sit-in at segregated lunch counters in downtown Atlanta. Over 50 protesters, including Martin Luther King Jr., were arrested for trespassing and 36 were jailed. The sit-ins were carried out without incident, but the official integration of Atlanta's restaurants did not come for nearly another year. The protests were a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, increasing morale and confidence in the mission of ending segregation. Partial document. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Sit Ins, Circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
In March 1960, Black college students staged a sit-in at segregated lunch counters in downtown Atlanta. Over 50 protesters, including Martin Luther King Jr., were arrested for trespassing and 36 were jailed. The sit-ins were carried out without incident, but the official integration of Atlanta's restaurants did not come for nearly another year. The protests were a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, increasing morale and confidence in the mission of ending segregation. Partial document. 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
After a year of sit-ins by African-American students in Atlanta, a settlement had been finally reached between the merchants and the Black students. Negotiations had broken down previously, with local white merchants hostile to any compromise. The incoming president of the Chamber of Commerce, Ivan Allen Jr., played a key role in bringing the chamber into the final peace negotiations. The settlement stipulated that desegregation of lunch counters would follow desegregation of the city's schools that fall. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, How Peace Came on Sit In Front
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
After a year of sit-ins by African-American students in Atlanta, a settlement had been finally reached between the merchants and the Black students. Negotiations had broken down previously, with local white merchants hostile to any compromise. The incoming president of the Chamber of Commerce, Ivan Allen Jr., played a key role in bringing the chamber into the final peace negotiations. The settlement stipulated that desegregation of lunch counters would follow desegregation of the city's schools that fall. 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
A roster of student activists with scheduled times, school affiliations, and dormitory status. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Student Roster, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A roster of student activists with scheduled times, school affiliations, and dormitory status. 4 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 Black leadership created a press-release statement regarding integration through the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. The statement was concerned about lunch counter desegregation and school integration. Featured figures mentioned in the article: Luther King Sr., Luther King Jr, Rev. Otis Moss, Leroy Johnson, and Dr. Rufus E. Celement. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Lunch Counters, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The Black leadership created a press-release statement regarding integration through the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. The statement was concerned about lunch counter desegregation and school integration. Featured figures mentioned in the article: Luther King Sr., Luther King Jr, Rev. Otis Moss, Leroy Johnson, and Dr. Rufus E. Celement. 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 city of Atlanta, major merchants, and African American leaders have reached an agreement to desegregate lunch counters and other facilities. The settlement followed negotiations led by a retired lawyer, and it is supported by the African American community to end protests, picketing, and immediate boycotts. However, there is an "if" clause to the agreement, which states that if no school desegregation occurs in the fall, then there will be no lunch counter desegregation at that time. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR News Articles, Store Facilities Reopen, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The city of Atlanta, major merchants, and African American leaders have reached an agreement to desegregate lunch counters and other facilities. The settlement followed negotiations led by a retired lawyer, and it is supported by the African American community to end protests, picketing, and immediate boycotts. However, there is an "if" clause to the agreement, which states that if no school desegregation occurs in the fall, then there will be no lunch counter desegregation at that time. 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
A poster titled "Don't Buy At Woolworth" calls for Black and White people to have sit-in protests at Woolworth's lunch counters because of the separated counters by race and color. The poster highlights the challenges faced by protesting students, including mass arrests, fines, threats of expulsion, and encounters with racist individuals. It emphasizes the students' motivation to fight against segregation, which deprives African Americans of equal opportunities and dignity, and calls for a boycott of Woolworth stores to pressure the national chain to end racial segregation policies. The document encourages joining CORE to support the picket lines against Jim Crow laws. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Don't Buy At Woolworth", circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
A poster titled "Don't Buy At Woolworth" calls for Black and White people to have sit-in protests at Woolworth's lunch counters because of the separated counters by race and color. The poster highlights the challenges faced by protesting students, including mass arrests, fines, threats of expulsion, and encounters with racist individuals. It emphasizes the students' motivation to fight against segregation, which deprives African Americans of equal opportunities and dignity, and calls for a boycott of Woolworth stores to pressure the national chain to end racial segregation policies. The document encourages joining CORE to support the picket lines against Jim Crow laws. 2 pages.
Subject
Political posters, Civil rights movements, 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
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR Appeal for Human Rights Draft, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1961
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
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
"Jail, No Bail Group In Jail, Cheerful, Confident", October 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-24
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism