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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  • Geographic Location = New York (State)--New York
A get-well letter from a New York Harriet Tubman School student wishing Ruby D. Smith Robinson recovery from her illness. Attached is a letter from teacher Marjorie Klatt introducing the student. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From School Teacher and Student, April 13, 1967
Date Created
1967-04-13
Description
A get-well letter from a New York Harriet Tubman School student wishing Ruby D. Smith Robinson recovery from her illness. Attached is a letter from teacher Marjorie Klatt introducing the student. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American children
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
Speaking on behalf of CORE, James Farmer urges immediate action to end segregation in bus, train, and airline terminals, emphasizing the need for sacrifices, deliberate decision-making, and a spirit of reconciliation. CORE plans additional Freedom Rides and requests applications from individuals willing to engage in nonviolent direct action. Accompanied with the letter are two blue-colored applications for CORE and Freedom Rides. 6 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Freedom Ride Correspondence and Applications, May 1961
Date Created
1961-05
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
Speaking on behalf of CORE, James Farmer urges immediate action to end segregation in bus, train, and airline terminals, emphasizing the need for sacrifices, deliberate decision-making, and a spirit of reconciliation. CORE plans additional Freedom Rides and requests applications from individuals willing to engage in nonviolent direct action. Accompanied with the letter are two blue-colored applications for CORE and Freedom Rides. 6 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
"Jailed In," written by Thomas Gaither, discusses his experience of being jailed for 30 days with eight other students because of their sit-in protest in Rock-Hill, South Carolina. Gaither talks about the events leading to the protest in Rock Hill, South Carolina, preceded by a protest in Greensboro, North Carolina, in February 1960. Afterward, he describes the experience of being arrested and tried in South Carolina. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Jailed In" by Thomas Gaither, April 1961
Date Created
1961-04
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
"Jailed In," written by Thomas Gaither, discusses his experience of being jailed for 30 days with eight other students because of their sit-in protest in Rock-Hill, South Carolina. Gaither talks about the events leading to the protest in Rock Hill, South Carolina, preceded by a protest in Greensboro, North Carolina, in February 1960. Afterward, he describes the experience of being arrested and tried in South Carolina. 8 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
In this letter, James R. Robinson seeks support to sustain and advance the organization's program of action, emphasizing the progress made over the past twenty years, the ongoing struggles for integration, and the need for financial contributions. The letter appeals for support and urges them to make a generous contribution to help achieve a genuine Brotherhood in America. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE, Behind Bars for Freedom Letter, April 1961
Date Created
1961-04
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
In this letter, James R. Robinson seeks support to sustain and advance the organization's program of action, emphasizing the progress made over the past twenty years, the ongoing struggles for integration, and the need for financial contributions. The letter appeals for support and urges them to make a generous contribution to help achieve a genuine Brotherhood in America. 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
This document is a preliminary draft announcement from the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) regarding the Freedom Ride, 1961. The Freedom Ride is a planned initiative to achieve complete integration of bus service and accommodations in the Deep South. It will involve an interracial group of highly trained and dedicated CORE members who will challenge Jim Crow segregation wherever encountered during their journey from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans. The document provides information on the purpose, itinerary, participant requirements, and contact details for those interested in joining the project. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Freedom Ride, 1961 Preliminary Draft", March 13, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-13
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This document is a preliminary draft announcement from the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) regarding the Freedom Ride, 1961. The Freedom Ride is a planned initiative to achieve complete integration of bus service and accommodations in the Deep South. It will involve an interracial group of highly trained and dedicated CORE members who will challenge Jim Crow segregation wherever encountered during their journey from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans. The document provides information on the purpose, itinerary, participant requirements, and contact details for those interested in joining the project. 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 Ann Arbor Direct Action Committee and Detroit CORE are organizing national demonstrations to pressure the Kresge Company to integrate their Southern lunch counters to achieve 100% integration and write to the President of Kresge in support of complete integration, emphasizing the need for change in the Deep South and the potential influence on other chains. The item includes a list of cities with lunch counters that opened around February 1st, 1960. The Crisis in Western Tennessee is summarized, highlighting the importance of long-term solutions through Operation Freedom and the need for relief contributions to support local organizations addressing the crisis. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE, Call To Action, National Kresge Demonstrations, March 9, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-09
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
The Ann Arbor Direct Action Committee and Detroit CORE are organizing national demonstrations to pressure the Kresge Company to integrate their Southern lunch counters to achieve 100% integration and write to the President of Kresge in support of complete integration, emphasizing the need for change in the Deep South and the potential influence on other chains. The item includes a list of cities with lunch counters that opened around February 1st, 1960. The Crisis in Western Tennessee is summarized, highlighting the importance of long-term solutions through Operation Freedom and the need for relief contributions to support local organizations addressing the crisis. 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 newspaper CORE-LATOR, published in March 1961, highlights the ongoing efforts to fight racial discrimination. The sit-in movement marked its first anniversary, leading to numerous jail-ins of students who refused to pay fines or accept bail for demonstrating against segregated facilities. The newspaper also reports on other activities, such as picketing discriminatory businesses. In summary, the newspaper emphasizes the importance of direct nonviolent methods in abolishing racial discrimination. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Core lator", March 1961
Date Created
1961-03
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
The newspaper CORE-LATOR, published in March 1961, highlights the ongoing efforts to fight racial discrimination. The sit-in movement marked its first anniversary, leading to numerous jail-ins of students who refused to pay fines or accept bail for demonstrating against segregated facilities. The newspaper also reports on other activities, such as picketing discriminatory businesses. In summary, the newspaper emphasizes the importance of direct nonviolent methods in abolishing racial discrimination. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Political participation, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The CORE National Council pledges full support to Americans seeking equality and nonviolent direct action to desegregate lunch counters in various drug chain stores and restaurants. They recommend continuing the economic boycott against segregated chain store lunch counters in the deep South until significant progress is made while also urging the development of diverse methods, such as newspaper ads and promotional items, to augment the boycott. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Statement on CORE Supportive Action", February 12, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-12
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
The CORE National Council pledges full support to Americans seeking equality and nonviolent direct action to desegregate lunch counters in various drug chain stores and restaurants. They recommend continuing the economic boycott against segregated chain store lunch counters in the deep South until significant progress is made while also urging the development of diverse methods, such as newspaper ads and promotional items, to augment the boycott. 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
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 first memo discusses the distribution of supplies, observations on the situation in Fayette and Haywood Counties, and the need for support in terms of clothing and food. The second memo provides an overview of CORE's activities, contributions from various groups, and the physical situation in the counties, emphasizing the need for crop loans and financial aid. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE Leaders, Advisory Committee, 1961
Date Created
1961
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
The first memo discusses the distribution of supplies, observations on the situation in Fayette and Haywood Counties, and the need for support in terms of clothing and food. The second memo provides an overview of CORE's activities, contributions from various groups, and the physical situation in the counties, emphasizing the need for crop loans and financial aid. 2 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
In the enclosed envelope are three correspondence letters written to Mary Anne Smith. Two letters are from Marvin Rich and one from Gordon R. Carey. The letters from Marvin Rich are about sharing resources for CORE and the organization's philosophy through two publications: "This Is CORE" and the CORE-lator. The third letter from Gordon R. Carey is a memo that discusses the tense situation in New Orleans regarding school integration, the efforts of field secretaries to reduce tensions, and the request for support in urging President Eisenhower to take a public position, local Catholics to advocate for desegregation of parochial schools, and sending an encouraging note to Federal Judge J. Skelly Wright. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE Correspondence, November 1960
Date Created
1960-11
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
In the enclosed envelope are three correspondence letters written to Mary Anne Smith. Two letters are from Marvin Rich and one from Gordon R. Carey. The letters from Marvin Rich are about sharing resources for CORE and the organization's philosophy through two publications: "This Is CORE" and the CORE-lator. The third letter from Gordon R. Carey is a memo that discusses the tense situation in New Orleans regarding school integration, the efforts of field secretaries to reduce tensions, and the request for support in urging President Eisenhower to take a public position, local Catholics to advocate for desegregation of parochial schools, and sending an encouraging note to Federal Judge J. Skelly Wright. 4 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
Barbara and John Broxton, members of Tallahassee CORE who were jailed for sitting in at Woolworth, express their gratitude to supporters in New York for their moral and physical support, emphasizing the importance of picket lines in the North to achieve victories in the South. CORE offices, YMCAs, and Church headquarters for protestors are listed in the correspondence. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE Jailed Students Thank You, May 25, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-25
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
Barbara and John Broxton, members of Tallahassee CORE who were jailed for sitting in at Woolworth, express their gratitude to supporters in New York for their moral and physical support, emphasizing the importance of picket lines in the North to achieve victories in the South. CORE offices, YMCAs, and Church headquarters for protestors are listed in the correspondence. 2 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
In this series of newsletters from the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), various updates are provided on the progress of the sit-in movement and desegregation efforts in the early 1960s. Highlights include a drop in sales at Woolworth, a meeting of sit-in movement leaders in North Carolina, assaults on sit-inners in Missouri, integration of lunch counters in Nashville, and support from religious groups for the sit-ins. The newsletters also mention the dismissal of an activist from his position and announce an upcoming training institute in nonviolent, direct action techniques. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE Sit Down Newsletter, April 25, 1960
Date Created
1960-04-25
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
In this series of newsletters from the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), various updates are provided on the progress of the sit-in movement and desegregation efforts in the early 1960s. Highlights include a drop in sales at Woolworth, a meeting of sit-in movement leaders in North Carolina, assaults on sit-inners in Missouri, integration of lunch counters in Nashville, and support from religious groups for the sit-ins. The newsletters also mention the dismissal of an activist from his position and announce an upcoming training institute in nonviolent, direct action techniques. 4 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
Correspondence from A. Philip Randolph, Bernard Lee, Harry Belafonte, and Curtis Ganz of the Committee to Defend Martin Luther King Jr. to the public asking to sign the petition and pledge against Woolworth. The petition condemns Woolworths' inequitable service to Black people, and the pledge serves as notice not to buy from the business. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence From the Committee to Defend Martin Luther King Jr. to the Public, April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Description
Correspondence from A. Philip Randolph, Bernard Lee, Harry Belafonte, and Curtis Ganz of the Committee to Defend Martin Luther King Jr. to the public asking to sign the petition and pledge against Woolworth. The petition condemns Woolworths' inequitable service to Black people, and the pledge serves as notice not to buy from the business. 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
This booklet highlights the methodology, philosophy, and some anecdotes of nonviolent protest against racial discrimination and segregation. There are 22 anecdotes about protest and travel with information columns about CORE to aid in nonviolent demonstrations across the country. 16 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Cracking the Color Line, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This booklet highlights the methodology, philosophy, and some anecdotes of nonviolent protest against racial discrimination and segregation. There are 22 anecdotes about protest and travel with information columns about CORE to aid in nonviolent demonstrations across the country. 16 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American neighborhoods, Political participation
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This memo from the Congress of Racial Equality announces the availability of Jim Peck's booklet, "Cracking the Color Line," and requests assistance in distributing it to as many interested individuals as possible. The booklet aims to promote full integration through direct nonviolent action, and CORE seeks support in ensuring its widespread dissemination by ordering it for libraries and schools, securing orders from acquaintances and relevant organizations, and arranging consignment deals with bookstores interested in integration. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE Memo, James R. Robinson, circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This memo from the Congress of Racial Equality announces the availability of Jim Peck's booklet, "Cracking the Color Line," and requests assistance in distributing it to as many interested individuals as possible. The booklet aims to promote full integration through direct nonviolent action, and CORE seeks support in ensuring its widespread dissemination by ordering it for libraries and schools, securing orders from acquaintances and relevant organizations, and arranging consignment deals with bookstores interested in integration. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American authors
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