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 newspaper article discusses the ongoing civil rights activism among college students, particularly African-Americans, highlighting their involvement in recent social issues and their determination to fight for their beliefs. The article features interviews with Alisha Thomas, a senior at Spelman College, and Khalid Salaam, a reporter for The Panther, the Clark Atlanta University newspaper. It explores students' various outlets to express their views, such as marches, rallies, and student-controlled media. The article also mentions activists' challenges, including apathy and the need for greater student engagement. The issue of the state flag, which bears symbols of the Confederacy, emerges as a critical concern among students. The article emphasizes the role of students in demanding social change and cites Benjamin Mays, the former president of Morehouse College, to underscore the significance of individual contributions to making a difference. 1 page.
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
An excerpt from chapter 21, titled "I Can Sing Atlanta The Young Warriors", of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays' book Born to Rebel An Autobiography. Dr. Mays talks about In 1960, students from Morehouse and Spelman colleges planned a sit-in demonstration to protest against the discrimination faced by Black people in Atlanta's downtown restaurants. The plan was inspired by the Greensboro sit-ins, where four students refused to leave a white store's lunch counter and sparked a revolution against segregation in eating establishments in the South. The six presidents of the Atlanta University Center were supportive of the students' plans, but each student was encouraged to make their own decision and be prepared to face the consequences for violating the unjust law. 14 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A transcripted speech by James Forman. The keynote address was given on November 23rd, 1967, at the Western Regional Black Youth Conference in Los Angeles, California. At the beginning of the speech, Forman gives acknowledgments to the leaders and activists of SNCC for their courageous acts and dynamic leadership. Forman also presents a poem called "Liberation Will Come From A Black Thing." After his poetry, he elaborates on his keynote speech, "Liberation Will Come From A Black Thing."  Forman discusses the historical examples of liberation movements from Black people, relates them to the mission of SNCC, and how Bblack power is a revolutionary tool. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A newsletter from the Bay Area SNCC Liberation Nets on November 1967. It starts with reflecting on the change in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and its dedicated young black activists, discussing the toll of their previous struggles and the brutality they faced. It then provides a biography of Ruby Doris Robinson, a prominent SNCC member who dedicated herself to the Black liberation movement but passed away due to cancer. The newsletter highlights the need for support and donations of various resources for SNCC's programs, including educational initiatives, community organizing, and political education. This document describes three incidents of racist police aggression in the Bay Area, one involving Huey P. Newton. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is an SNCC Newsletter Vol. No 2 was published in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 6th, 1967. In this issue of the SNCC Newsletter, the front page topic is about the postmaster of Atlanta destroying a sack of SNCC mail. Later in the newsletter, SNCC talks about the ongoing protest against the Vietnam War, a racially driven war by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Other topics in the newsletter are reports of an art festival in Ohio, Texas Southern University, Anti-Apartheid Activism, "Ed Brooke-A Black Man Without A Cause," The Milk Industry, Stop & Frisk Policies,  other reports from Chicago and other SNCC chapters, conscientious objection from Morehouse students, news from Mississippi, and the American struggle against Communism. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This letter is from Fay. D Bellamy explains the existence of a staff coordinating committee and central committee within SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). The notice emphasizes clarity and adherence to procedures to avoid confusion. It expresses the importance of focusing on program-related discussions and moving SNCC forward rather than engaging in irrelevant matters. The sender requests everyone's cooperation and assistance for a successful meeting and encourages questions to be addressed through written correspondence. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a memo from Stokely Carmichael requesting all project directors and office directors to submit itemized budgets for the fiscal year 1967-1968, including funds from sources other than Atlanta. Additionally, project directors are instructed to submit names of staff members and individuals who should be allowed to attend the staff meeting, with the first few days restricted to staff members only and the last two days open to all other workers. The memo is signed by Stokely Carmichael. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document list of the publications that were available for purchase from SNCC and published by The Student Voice and SNCC. All proceeds were given to SNCC. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This newsletter is the first issue of the SNCC Newsletter from the Communication Department. The first issue provides summarizations of various reports and meetings that were facilitated by SNCC and its members. The newsletter discusses meetings that were held in the Bahamas, a town meeting in Chicago, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, New York, and Mississippi. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This update from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) provides information about seven SNCC workers the federal government indicted. The indictments stem from a demonstration on August 17, 1966, where young Black protesters picketed the 12th Army headquarters in Atlanta to protest the Vietnam War and the high percentage of Black men being drafted. The protesters faced harassment and arrests during the demonstration; some were charged with assaulting officers. While serving their three-month sentences, they experienced mistreatment and segregation in prison. After filing lawsuits against the city of Atlanta, the prisoners were released, but one member, Johnny Wilson, was sentenced to three years on a Georgia chain gang. The seven indicted workers now face charges of injuring government property and interfering with the Universal Military Training and Service Act. The update appeals for bail money and funds for legal costs to support these young people. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A paper written by James Forman, an Organizational Secretary. Forman divides the paper into four sections: "Toward a Definition of power for Us, the Powerless", "The Political Organizer is a Leader", "Three Qualities of a good organizer", and "Seven Steps a political organizer must take if he is to be effective". Forman illustrates the fundamental qualities of what he believes to be a leader and organizer of a political movement. He mentions that a good organizer is a well-rounded individual that demonstrates effectiveness and awareness of situations. Forman uses this paper for an SNCC workshop. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document provides an overview of an Economic Workshop held by SNCC in February 1967, with a focus on addressing the economic conditions of the black community. The workshop emphasizes the importance of economic freedom alongside the political aspects of community organizing. It proposes the establishment of small cooperatives and credit unions as a means to improve the economic situation of black people in rural South and northern ghettos. The suggested plan is intended to serve as a foundation and guide for programs aimed at achieving economic and political freedom. The workshop coordinator is John Buffington. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This booklet titled "Black Body White Mind" argues that education in the United States has been used to perpetuate White supremacy and to keep Black people in a subordinate position. The author discusses the history of Negro education in the United States and argues that Negro schools have been White-oriented and have not met the needs of the Black community. The author also argues that the civil rights movement's focus on integration has not effectively addressed the underlying problems of racism in education. 17 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document provides a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the Texas Southern University (TSU) incident, which occurred on May 16, focusing on the events from May 15-17. The report sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the incident, often labeled as a "riot," although evidence of looting or organized violence is absent. Instead, it reveals a harsh display of police force directed towards the college campus, leading to numerous arrests and injuries, as well as the tragic death of a student. The report highlights the lack of proper reporting, underrepresenting the victims' perspectives, and attempts to hold the city accountable for its actions. The document includes photographs and statements from witnesses and participants, intending to provide a more accurate understanding of the situation and challenge the official narrative. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a manifesto of the Black Panther Party. The manifesto describes the Black Panther Party as the "vanguard of the colonized Black Nation in North America...Our objectives are national liberation, the overthrow of the white racist's (colonizer's) power over us, and the establishment of Black Humanism". The five-page manifesto is separated into two sections: Philosophy and Program. Section one of Philosophy summarizes the Black Panther Party's mission to defend against any antagonism aimed toward the Black community and fight white racism and colonial oppression. Section Two outlines the program of the Black Panther Party. It is described as raising political consciousness, achieving national liberation, and promoting unity and freedom through any necessary means. The section concludes by asserting that the world belongs to Black people. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document accounts for the legal case MacLaurin vs. The State of Mississippi, involving Charles MacLaurin, a field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). MacLaurin was arrested and charged with "Disturbing the Peace" and "Resisting Arrest" in Greenville, Mississippi, after speaking to a group of Black individuals about the unjust conviction of Black defendants for playing in a segregated public park. MacLaurin's trial resulted in guilty verdicts and subsequent convictions, leading to a sentence of 180 days in prison and a $100 fine. Appeals were made, but they were denied. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied, with three justices refusing to review the case. The document argues that the legal proceedings were biased and part of a conspiracy to deny justice and violate the civil and human rights of Black individuals who fight for equality. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a report from SNCC's journey to Guinea, West Africa, on September 23rd, 1964. The group was met by the Director General of the Ministry of Information and Tourism, Diallo Alpha. While in West Africa, the group discussed the implications and the effects of colonialism on Guinea and  African nations. Diallo Alpha illustrates the functions of the National Government of Guinea with other African governments and how they have been influenced and affected by foreign agencies and policies. Further in the document, SNCC and other African leaders share pan-Africanist ideals with each other and remark on racial anecdotes about colonialism and American racism. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is the minutes from an SNCC meeting held on September 6th, 1964. The meeting minutes are a transcript of those members in attendance. The agenda items for the meeting were Billy Stafford's report on Southern campuses and work-study programs, a discussion of regional coordinators, fundraising projects, Summer projects, filled and needed positions, the Black Belt Project, and the budget for the various programs. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is of project reports meeting minutes from September 5th, 1964. The records show the transcription of a meeting about King's campaign, voting campaign projects, and several other programs. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is meeting minutes from the SNCC Executive Committee on September 4th, 1964. The meeting minutes are a transcript of the committee members. On the agenda for the meeting were the Fall programs, the Summer program of 1965, personnel reports,  health insurance, job functions, New York offices of SNCC, and salaries. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This "Settling a Sit-In" brochure/report was written by Wallace Westfeldt, a journalist for the Nashville Tennessean, and is about the sit-in movement in Nashville, Tennessee. Westfeldt reports on the ethos, events, and criticism surrounding the Sit-In movement. The movement had successfully achieved its goal of integrating lunch counters in downtown Nashville stores. The settlement was reached after the black community boycott of downtown stores. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a booklet report of SNCC's Mississippi Summer Project and the project's summary accounts of incidents. The Mississippi Summer project accounts for protests for civil rights across the United States with their outcomes for each location. The document contains statements of incidents from June 16th to August 26th. 27 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This report, authored by Wallace Westfeldt, examines the Nashville sit-in movement, which aimed to challenge racial segregation in the city. It highlights the presence of integrated schools, councils, and public facilities but emphasizes the need for integration in restaurants and diners. The report outlines the non-violent approach Fisk University, Tennessee State University, and American Baptist Theological Seminary students use during the sit-ins at downtown variety stores and bus terminals. The movement triggered arrests and raised complex legal and moral questions surrounding racial discrimination and the right to equal access to public facilities. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Dona Richards proposes establishing an African Affairs Department within the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). The proposed department aims to serve as an educational and politically programmatic project, fostering a connection between the struggles of black people in the United States against exploitation and the fight for self-determination of black people abroad. Specific areas of the project include research on African nations and U.S. involvement on the continent, organizing workshops with African diplomats and cultural groups, developing relationships with African individuals and governments, and promoting identification with African heritage to inspire and empower young activists within the movement. The proposal explores funding possibilities and encourages input from interested parties to develop the project further. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Proposed Welfare Program aims to streamline and support the welfare application process for eligible individuals through a comprehensive approach. The program includes multiple steps, including informing the community about available assistance and rights. Trained associates guide in determining eligibility, completing application forms, and locating local welfare offices. In case of a denied application or lack of response from the state welfare department, the program assists applicants in requesting a fair hearing, offering legal representation when necessary. This initiative strives to ensure equitable access to welfare benefits and continuously expands its resources to include state-specific welfare handbooks. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Cooperatives" is a practical guide to forming and operating cooperatives (coops), focusing on businesses owned and controlled by people patronizing the enterprise. The guide covers crucial aspects of establishing a cooperative, such as conducting a feasibility study, determining potential membership, required management skills, facilities, operating costs, and necessary capital. It also emphasizes the significance of incorporation regulations, available community resources, and other relevant considerations. The document further provides insights into the scope of business, membership qualifications, representation on the Board of Directors, and obtaining capital through subscriptions while stressing the importance of legal aid throughout the cooperative's establishment process. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Students' Grievances and Demands: A Call for Quality Education at William Bryant High School" is a compelling document expressing the concerns of students regarding numerous health hazards and inadequacies within the school. The students highlight issues such as inadequate heating, broken windows, and a lack of essential resources like textbooks, teachers, and proper facilities. They call upon the County, State, and community to take action and support their fight for an education that ensures a fair chance for every student, with proper access to quality education and a safe learning environment. The document emphasizes the ongoing struggle of the students and seeks community involvement to achieve positive change. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a study and report published by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) about population statistics of Mississippi between "nonwhite" people and white people, with the term "nonwhite people" used interchangeably with "Negroes" due to the significant overlap in the population. It acknowledges that the data about nonwhites can be considered representative of the conditions faced explicitly by Negroes, as 99.6 percent of the total nonwhite population and 99.7 percent of nonwhite farm operators in Mississippi were Negroes in 1960. The report provides general information rather than specific details. 18 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Judy Yearby, a high school student, wrote a report on famed agriculture chemist George Washington Carver on February 12, 1965. Yearby wrote a biographical report about Carver's life starting in 1864 and when he passed on January 5, 1943. Yearby describes Carver's family during his childhood and then goes into his young adulthood. She describes how he received his MS from Iowa State College after hitchhiking a ride on a covered wagon. 7 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Lucille Everett, an 11th grader, wrote a high school paper on February 12, 1965, about the Civil Rights Bill passed in 1964. The high school paper critiques the purpose of the Civil Rights and the bill's practicality for African American citizens. Everett scrutinizes the bill for only benefiting the wealthiest and middle-class African Americans while it leaves the lower-class African Americans out. Everett talks about how little the bill does for African Americans and keeps the social and economic conditions for African Americans the same. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) issued a protest telegram to the Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, expressing condemnation of the treatment of African American citizens in Jackson, Mississippi. The telegram criticized the "barbarous and uncivil display" exhibited by law enforcement officials during a peaceful protest outside the courthouse. The protest aimed to support nine African American college students who had been jailed for seeking service in a public library. SNCC urged Governor Barnett to take decisive action to end the unjust treatment of Mississippi's African American population. Additionally, the SNCC commended the students of Tougaloo College for their efforts against racial segregation in Jackson and praised their dedication, nonviolent spirit, courage, and vision of a free society. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Stokely Carmichael, Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), issued a statement condemning the bombing and burning of Black churches in the American South. Carmichael argues that these acts of violence are traditional methods employed by white racists to express their disdain and hatred towards African Americans who dare to protest against their inhumane treatment and degradation. He criticizes the lack of response from federal, state, and local authorities and the FBI, who fail to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Carmichael sees this as a reflection of white America's approval and collaboration in perpetuating racism. He highlights recent church bombings in Lowndes County, Alabama, where Viola Liuzzo and Jonathan Daniels were murdered, and emphasizes the routine investigations conducted by authorities that yield no substantial results. Carmichael draws parallels between the current state of affairs and the Reconstruction era, pointing out the ousting of Adam Clayton Powell from Congress as evidence of continued oppression. He suggests that Black people increasingly recognize the need to fight back against the long history of genocide, lynchings, bombings, and burnings, asserting that these acts will only strengthen their resolve for justice. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
News article from the Atlanta Inquirer about Ruby D. Smith and other student protestors serving jail time in South Carolina. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This flash update from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) provides information about recent arrests and convictions of SNCC members in various locations. In Rock Hill, South Carolina, four SNCC members were convicted of trespassing in Good's Drug Store and chose to serve a 30-day jail sentence. In Lynchburg, Virginia, six college students, including two African Americans, pleaded guilty to violating Virginia's anti-trespass law and were sentenced to 30 days. In Atlanta, Georgia, over 70 Atlanta University students were arrested for continued sit-in activities, refusing to accept the bond and indicating their intention to remain in jail. The students were charged with violating Georgia's anti-trespass law. A partial list of arrested students is included, with a note indicating that the list is incomplete due to recent arrests. 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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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 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 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