The Mary Ann Smith Wilson - Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism spans the dates 1948-2008 with the bulk of the material dated 1960-1967. The collection documents both Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's and Mary Ann Smith Wilson's participation in the civil rights movement and the organizations with which they were affiliated. Although the collection documents both sisters' activities, the bulk of the collection reflects Ruby Doris Smith Robinson’s activism activities in the civil rights movement. Also included in the collection are photographs, correspondences, news articles, programs, reports, and flyers. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
Aug 7, 2023

Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism

The Mary Ann Smith Wilson - Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism spans the dates 1948-2008 with the bulk of the material dated 1960-1967. The collection documents both Ruby Doris Smith Robinson's and Mary Ann Smith Wilson's participation in the civil rights movement and the organizations with which they were affiliated. Although the collection documents both sisters' activities, the bulk of the collection reflects Ruby Doris Smith Robinson’s activism activities in the civil rights movement. Also included in the collection are photographs, correspondences, news articles, programs, reports, and flyers.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu.
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A newspaper article was written in the Atlanta Inquirer on April 1st, 2000. The article was an invitation and commemoration to the 40th Anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Student Movement and the Appeal for Human Rights on March 31st,2000. The four-page article summarizes the Appeal for Human Rights and the protest against discrimination in various areas, including education, jobs, housing, voting, healthcare, and entertainment, and states that the practice of racial segregation is incompatible with democracy and Christianity. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer COAHR 40th Anniversary Invitation Article, April 1, 2000
Date Created
2000-04-01
Description
A newspaper article was written in the Atlanta Inquirer on April 1st, 2000. The article was an invitation and commemoration to the 40th Anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Student Movement and the Appeal for Human Rights on March 31st,2000. The four-page article summarizes the Appeal for Human Rights and the protest against discrimination in various areas, including education, jobs, housing, voting, healthcare, and entertainment, and states that the practice of racial segregation is incompatible with democracy and Christianity. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American leadership, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A flyer for the commemoration event of the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Student Movement and the Appel for Human Rights held at Trevor Arnett Quadrangle. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Flyer, March 31, 2000
Date Created
2000-03-31
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A flyer for the commemoration event of the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta University Center Student Movement and the Appel for Human Rights held at Trevor Arnett Quadrangle. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special eventss, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People celebrate at an Atlanta Student Movement 40th Anniversary event. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith, Morehouse President Walter E. Massey, Clark Atlanta University President Thomas W. Cole, and Lonnie C. King standing in-front of Trevor Arnett Hall.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Student Movement 40th Anniversary, 2000
Date Created
2000
Description
People celebrate at an Atlanta Student Movement 40th Anniversary event. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith, Morehouse President Walter E. Massey, Clark Atlanta University President Thomas W. Cole, and Lonnie C. King standing in-front of Trevor Arnett Hall.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A schedule of events for the 40th-anniversary commemoration event of "An Appeal For Human Rights" and The Atlanta Student Movement from March 31st to April 2nd, 2000 at the Atlanta University Center. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 40th Anniversary Schedule of Events,2000
Date Created
2000
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A schedule of events for the 40th-anniversary commemoration event of "An Appeal For Human Rights" and The Atlanta Student Movement from March 31st to April 2nd, 2000 at the Atlanta University Center. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Special eventss, African American universities and colleges
Collection
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
Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement and the Brisbane Institute, 1998
Date Created
1998
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges
Collection
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
The Brisbane Institute Pamphlet, COAHR Voices of the Student Movement, 1998
Date Created
1998
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American teachers, African American men
Collection
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 Memo, March 12, 1991
Date Created
1991-03-12
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges
Collection
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
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement 30th Anniversary Memorial Service Program, November 11, 1990.
Date Created
1990-11-11
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges
Collection
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
Clark Atlanta University Inside Newsletter, November 1990
Date Created
1990-11
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges, College student newspapers and periodicals
Collection
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
CAU Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith Wilson, June 1, 1990
Date Created
1990-06-01
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges, African American women
Collection
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
"Crusaders, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" circa 1990
Date Created
1988/19992
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges, College student newspapers and periodicals, College publications
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a biography of Ruby D. Smith Robinson from a Spelman publication. Ruby Doris Smith Robinson is recognized as an unsung heroine of Spelman College and the civil rights movement. At seventeen, she left college to actively participate in sit-ins and other demonstrations actively, becoming an integral part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Robinson played a crucial role in the movement's early success and later contributed to the fight against sexism within the movement by organizing a group of women to address gender discrimination. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson Biography, circa 1985
Date Created
1983/1987
Description
This is a biography of Ruby D. Smith Robinson from a Spelman publication. Ruby Doris Smith Robinson is recognized as an unsung heroine of Spelman College and the civil rights movement. At seventeen, she left college to actively participate in sit-ins and other demonstrations actively, becoming an integral part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Robinson played a crucial role in the movement's early success and later contributed to the fight against sexism within the movement by organizing a group of women to address gender discrimination. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An excerpt of the Spelman College's centennial year celebration keynote speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in dedication to Ruby D. Smith Robinson. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, in a keynote speech at Spelman's Centennial Dinner in 1981, reflects on her connection to the college and its impact on her life. She discusses the historical struggles and sacrifices early Spelman students faced and the resilience and determination they instilled in her. She also highlights the influential role of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a fellow Spelman alumna, in the civil rights movement and her unwavering commitment to the cause. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully", Speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, April 1981
Date Created
1981-04
Author
Hunter-Gault, Charlayne
Description
An excerpt of the Spelman College's centennial year celebration keynote speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in dedication to Ruby D. Smith Robinson. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, in a keynote speech at Spelman's Centennial Dinner in 1981, reflects on her connection to the college and its impact on her life. She discusses the historical struggles and sacrifices early Spelman students faced and the resilience and determination they instilled in her. She also highlights the influential role of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a fellow Spelman alumna, in the civil rights movement and her unwavering commitment to the cause. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges, College publications, College student newspapers and periodicals
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The passage discusses Spelman College's traditions and emphasizes the importance of certain "heartbeat" traditions, including striving for excellence, promoting gender equality, and fighting injustice. The author cites the example of the college's founders who fought against the injustices faced by Black women and established the institution to address these issues. The author also mentions some Spelman graduates who founded organizations to help their communities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Spelman Founders Day Address, circa 1980
Date Created
1978/1982
Description
The passage discusses Spelman College's traditions and emphasizes the importance of certain "heartbeat" traditions, including striving for excellence, promoting gender equality, and fighting injustice. The author cites the example of the college's founders who fought against the injustices faced by Black women and established the institution to address these issues. The author also mentions some Spelman graduates who founded organizations to help their communities. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sign in sheet from an Atlanta Student movement meeting. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Student Movement Attendance List, November 2, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-02
Creator
Atlanta Student Movement
Description
Sign in sheet from an Atlanta Student movement meeting. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges
Collection
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
SNCC Identification Card, October 1960
Date Created
1960-10
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges
Collection
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
Statement Submitted to the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Immigration of the National Republican Convention,
Date Created
1960-07-20
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges, African American mayors, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
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
SNCC Report, First Meeting Held Atlanta University, May 1960
Date Created
1960-05
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges, African American mayors
Collection
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
"The Psychology of Non Violence", April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Creator
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges
Collection
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
Youth Leadership Conference on Nonviolent Resistance, April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Creator
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism