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:
  • Decade = 1990-1999
A meeting reminder for the Civil Rights Movement Planning Committee on December 2, 1999, at the Kilgore Center on Morehouse College's campus. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Planning Committee meeting was held on December 4, 1999, to discuss the progress made on the drafting of a Commemorative Event and program. The committee proposed a three-day schedule of events to mobilize the nation again around a serious movement. The Drafting Committee suggested that the Atlanta celebration could be the impetus for the mobilization of veterans of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The committee suggested having a march from the A.U. Center to the Martin Luther King Center or Auburn Avenue. Additionally, there was a discussion of workshops on the campuses during the time of the Commemorative event. 4 pages.
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
An invitation letter for the 40th year commemoration of the Student Movement being held in the Kilgore Center at Morehouse College on September 30, 1999, written by Chief Judge A.L. Thompson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A correspondence letter written to Ann Sumrall from Chief Judge A.L Thompson. It is concerning a meeting for the VOICES of the Atlanta Student Movement on Tuesday, June 1st, 1999 at the Paschal's Center. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The "Voices Of The Atlanta Student Movement" was a program that collaborated with the Robert H. Brisbane Institute to help preserve the legacy of the Student Movement at the Atlanta University Center. They abided by a three-point approach: the "Archival", the "Educational, and the "Commemorative". This booklet states to an archival special event held on the campus of Spelman College. Featured figures were Ruby Doris Smith. 10 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A biographical list of panelists for the Voices of The Atlanta Student Movement. The list is compelled of five activists: Carolyn Long Banks, Herschelle Challenor, Rober E. Felder,  Jesse Hill Jr., and Lonnie C. King Jr. All of them were active in the Atlanta Student Movement during the 1960s and went on to achieve various accomplishments in their careers. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Book review of "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Fleming. Review by Angela Brown Terrell in Spelman's Messenger Magazine Summer/Fall 1998 Issue. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement and The Brisbane Institute at Morehouse College are producing a forum series to document the inside story of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. The documentation project began in May 1997 and aims to record first-hand accounts of those who experienced the Movement. The second reunion of the Families and Institutions of the Civil Rights Era will take place on March 28, 1998, at the Camille O.H. Cosby Center on the Spelman College campus, providing an opportunity for participants to share their memories and help chronicle the legacy. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Brisbane Institute was founded in 1984 by Dr. Robert E. Brisbane as a memorial to his work. The institute's mission is to continue Dr. Brisbane's tradition of leadership in political study and activism. Its current programs include a community-based public policy think tank, community support, and development projects, and the Southern Center for Labor Education and Organizing. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A list of prompted "memory ticklers" or items pertaining to the Atlanta Student Movement. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article in Scholastic's "Oh Freedom - Kids Talk About the Civil Rights Movement with the People Who Made it Happen." Kaji Spellman with her mother Karen Spellman who mentions Ruby Doris Smith as her favorite civil rights leader. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Meet the Author Flyer for Cynthia Griggs Fleming for her book, "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", books provided by WordsWorth Booksellers. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Meet the Author Flyer for Cynthia Griggs Fleming for her book "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", books provided by WordsWorth Booksellers. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Book promotion flyer for "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Jerry Thornberry at the Gilman School to Cynthia Flemming at the University of Tennessee. Thornberry thanks Flemming for her essay on Ruby Doris Smith that he assigned to his Black History Class, and discusses it's effect on his students. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article in the Journal of Women's History, "Black Women Activists and The Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee: The Case of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 19 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Spelman Convocation Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, September 12, 1991 with opening remarks by Tiffany Patterson and the main address by Dr. Cynthia Fleming. Convocation was part of the Living and Learning Program in the Fall Semester of 1991-92. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A letter from Mary Ann Smith and Lonnie concerning donations and the graduation schedule for the Atlanta University Center was written to Committee on Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR). The second page contains The Atlanta University Center Commencement Schedule and Itinerary for 1991. The last page shows contributions and the treasurer's report. 3 pages.
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 90-91. A thank you letter to Ann Smith for her speech and participation in the 30th anniversary of COAHR. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article written by Stephen J. Goldfrab. This article discusses the civil rights movement in Greensboro, N.C. during the 1960s. The city had a paradoxical nature, being both racially moderate and having segregated public facilities and employment. The author of the article, Stephen J. Goldfrab, uses interviews to tell the story of the sit-ins and demonstrations that led to desegregation in Greensboro, but neglects to discuss the role of voting in the civil rights movement. The author refers to Historian William H. Chafes to give context about Greensboro, N.C. 1 page.
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
A gratitude letter was written to Mary Ann Smith Wilson from Brenda H. Cole and Dr. Delores P. Aldridge about the success of the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Summary/follow-up letter written by Mary Ann Smith to a Committee Member. She recaps details from "COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91 - CAU Meeting Notes, November 10, 1990' for the Committee Member. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Elaine Williams, special collections assistant at Robert Woodruff Library to Toure Robinson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's son about growing the Ruby Doris Smith Collection at the library. Attached is a copy of the article written by Williams and sent to Mary Ann Smith  about Ruby Doris. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement 30th Anniversary Memorial Service program. Featured names: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Dr. Thomas W. Cole Jr, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, and Dr. Samuel Narbit. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A group of Atlanta Student movement participants stands while holding Certificates of Merit signed by Mayor Maynard Jackson. Featured Figures: Mary Ann Smith Wilson-front row, Lonnie -second row, Julian Bond-second row, and Clark Atlanta University President Thomas W. Cole-second row.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Merit from Mayor Maynard Jackson presented to Mary Ann Wilson for contributions to the city of Atlanta. In reference to "Atlanta Student Movement 30th Anniversary Event, November 10, 1990". 1 page.
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 Event. Clark Atlanta sponsored a workshop symposium in commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement. Sessions included prominent civil rights leaders, such as Rev. Otis Moss, Mayor Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond, and  Ann Smith Wilson. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
List of workshops held by the Atlanta University Center on the Atlanta Movements. The workshops were part of series of six areas of special interest. Highlighted figures were Rev. Joseph Boone. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Recorded meeting notes written by Mary Ann Smith and Lonnie for the "Committee on Appeal For Human Rights (COAHR)--30 Years Later".  The meeting was called to continue the efforts of the COAHR after the 30-year celebration, as stated by John Mack.  Her notes outline the need for a follow-up retreat after the commemorative events, a need for a continuing action plan, and financial requirements for the committee. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement 30th Anniversary Salute schedule of events. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
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
Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson was invited to serve as a panelist at the Symposium on the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Civil Rights Movement on November 10, 1990, as part of a two-day celebration recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta Movement. The Symposium was held in Davage Auditorium, located in Haven-Warren Hall, on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, and discussed six themes, including politics, leadership, legal/criminal justice, women, education, and economics. Panelists are asked to meet for a panel discussion moderated by Julian Bond following the presentations. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson was invited to the 30th Anniversary Salute to the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement, and the organizers had made arrangements for discounted rates. They have also reserved two tickets for her and a guest at no charge for the banquet, and additional tickets may be purchased for $50 each. The schedule of events is enclosed. 1 page.
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
Clark Atlanta University was organizing a two-day celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement on November 10th and 11th, 1990. The celebration honored the former organizers of the Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights and pay special tribute to community leaders who played a significant role in the movement. Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson, who had a leadership role on the Committee, was invited to participate in the banquet and symposium and is requested to send any documentation regarding her activities since 1960 to the university. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An image reenacting a sit-in protest in Greensboro, North Carolina at Woolworth's lunch counter. This reenactment was in commemoration of it's 30th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. Highlighted figures: Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Cynthia Fleming at the University of Tennessee to Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson attaching snippets of books that mention Ruby Doris Smith. 6 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Mary Ann Smith Wilson at a banquet event.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. The magazine narrates about various Morehouse alumnus, current student's accomplishments, social events , and news about the institution. As pertaining to the Atlanta University Center Student Movement, this passage describes the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and particularly the role that college students played in it. The students were inspired by the example of other activists, and particularly by the sit-ins that took place at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960. The movement quickly spread across the South, and many college students became heavily involved, to the point of neglecting their studies. Morehouse College played a particularly important role in the movement, producing many of its leaders. Despite the danger and opposition they faced, these young people were driven by a deep commitment to justice and equality. Highlighted figures: Oprah Winfrey, Andrew Young,  Leroy Keith, and Martin Luther King Jr. 16 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A biographical list narrating prominent civil rights and student leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. Julian Bond, Donald Lee Hollowell, Reverend Otis Moss Jr., and Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson were featured names. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. A resource guide curated by the special collections department. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement Chronology of Events from February 1960 to September 1961 copyright by Vincent D. Fort in 1990. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A short article describing the APEX--African American Panoramic Experience-- a museum and cultural institution located on Auburn Avenue. The museum was built in phrases and serves to preserve Auburn Avenue's legacy in the Black Community. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A detailed timeline of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement in chronological order. It starts on February 1, 1960, with four North Carolina A&T State University students participating in a Sit-In protest at Woolworth lunch counter. After that incident, students from the Atlanta University Center organized the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. Then the timeline describes events from February 1, 1960, to September 26, 1961, when downtown lunch counters were desegregated. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. A speech given by Mary Ann Smith during the 30th Anniversary of Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. Mary Ann Smith discusses her perspective on the movement and discusses how the Civil Rights Movement was able to make significant changes through civil disobedience, voter registration, and economic boycotts. She highlights the struggles that they and others faced during the movement, including fighting against colonialism and learning about the Constitution of the United States. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The text contains brief biographical information on several individuals, including Miss Delaney, a Spelmanite who established a mission in Nyasaland and Liberia, and Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a civil rights activist who left Spelman to participate in sit-ins in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Finally, the text discusses Attorney Marian Wright Edelman, a veteran civil rights lawyer and the founder and director of the Children's Defense Fund, who also participated in sit-ins in downtown Atlanta and helped organize the conference that led to the founding of SNCC. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism