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 newspapers
  • Subjects = Groups and organizations
Articles from Jet magazine about the American Labor Federation, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Reverend Fauntroy all about promoting equal rights. The article's first page talks about the American Labor Federation and its endorsement of President Lyndon B. Johnson about residential integration. The Second page is titled "SNCC, Dick Gregory Snub White," about SNCC and the racial tensions during the Vietnam War. The rest of the article discusses the negotiations and talks among CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SNCC, and the White House about racial justice and inequality. 4 pages.
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
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are  "Seventy-Seven Years of Service,"   Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
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
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
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
In 1960, Lonnie King writes about the dangerous situation in New Orleans due to the inability of the Louisiana State Legislature to accept federal law over state decrees. The student committee hopes that Georgia has learned from Little Rock and New Orleans and will act quickly to implement the courts' decision for integrated public schools. The New Orleans situation reflects poorly on the US' image abroad, and King wonders how African and Asian peoples perceive it. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in The Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King noting if someone didn't vote in the election, they have no right to argue about the outcome, and how action must be taken to rectify the situation. He states the true meaning of democracy will only be achieved when the beliefs and ideals that have built the country are brought into harmony with the realities of daily life for all Americans. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King notes Atlanta appears to have calmed down after the student-led protests. However, the desegregation of lunch counters and equal hiring practices for Black individuals are still outstanding issues. Removing discriminatory signs from public spaces and accepting freedom as a permanent part of Atlanta's future is necessary before progress can be made. The fight against discrimination requires ongoing effort and donations to organizations such as the NAACP and SCLC to continue the struggle. 1 page.
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
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King marking the recent student movement's epitaph as an example of student and community. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism