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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  • Subjects = African American women
  • Series = Ruby Doris Smith Robinson
"Celebration of Life" Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson hosted by Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology and Save Our Children Global Network Inc. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Celebration of Life Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, November 3, 2007
Date Created
2007-03-11
Description
"Celebration of Life" Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson hosted by Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology and Save Our Children Global Network Inc. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Flyer for the "Celebration of Life" Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson hosted by Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology and Save Our Children Global Network Inc. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Celebration of Life Flyer for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, November 3, 2007
Date Created
2007-03-11
Description
Flyer for the "Celebration of Life" Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson hosted by Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology and Save Our Children Global Network Inc. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
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
Book Review for "Soon We Will Not Cry" by Cynthia Fleming, 1998
Date Created
1998
Author
Fleming, Cynthia G., 1949-
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
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
"Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", circa 1998
Date Created
1996/2000
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
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
"Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", circa 1998
Date Created
1996/2000
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
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
"Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", circa 1998
Date Created
1996/2000
Description
Book promotion flyer for "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
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
Spelman Convocation Program for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, September 12, 1991
Date Created
1991-09-12
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
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
Tribute presentation notes about Ruby Doris Smith by sister Catherine Robinson, addressed to Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology, and her organization Save Our Children Global Network. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Tribute to Ruby Doris Smith by Catherine Smith Robinson, circa 1989
Date Created
1988/1990
Description
Tribute presentation notes about Ruby Doris Smith by sister Catherine Robinson, addressed to Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology, and her organization Save Our Children Global Network. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Emerge magazine's article on Ruby D. Smith Robinson, Freedom Summer, and sexual politics in Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The biography article talks about Smith's involvement with the civil rights movement and how Ruby Doris transformed from a middle-class college student to a dedicated activist and administrator. Meanwhile, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) debated whether to participate in Freedom Summer, a joint effort with other civil rights groups to register Black voters in Mississippi, despite concerns about the impact on SNCC's character and image. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Liberated Woman", August 1988
Date Created
1988-08
Description
Emerge magazine's article on Ruby D. Smith Robinson, Freedom Summer, and sexual politics in Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The biography article talks about Smith's involvement with the civil rights movement and how Ruby Doris transformed from a middle-class college student to a dedicated activist and administrator. Meanwhile, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) debated whether to participate in Freedom Summer, a joint effort with other civil rights groups to register Black voters in Mississippi, despite concerns about the impact on SNCC's character and image. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
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
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully" excerpts from the keynote speech of Charlayne Hunter-Gault at the Centennial Dinner, April 9, 1981 in the Spelman Messenger 1981 Celebration Issue. Hunter-Gault discusses Ruby Doris's story, and impact on her personal life. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully", April 9, 1981
Date Created
1981-04-09
Description
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully" excerpts from the keynote speech of Charlayne Hunter-Gault at the Centennial Dinner, April 9, 1981 in the Spelman Messenger 1981 Celebration Issue. Hunter-Gault discusses Ruby Doris's story, and impact on her personal life. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American student movements
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
Ruby D. Smith dedication by Carolyn Long Banks. Banks describes Smith as the fundamental person in the Atlanta Movement, and she kept the movement together through her organized leadership. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Tribute by Carolyn Long Banks, circa 1980
Date Created
1978/1982
Author
Banks, Carolyn Long
Description
Ruby D. Smith dedication by Carolyn Long Banks. Banks describes Smith as the fundamental person in the Atlanta Movement, and she kept the movement together through her organized leadership. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
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
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson at West Mitchell C. M. E. Church. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson, October 14, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-14
Description
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson at West Mitchell C. M. E. Church. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sympathy telegrams sent to the Robinson family on the death of Ruby D. Smith Robinson. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sympathy Telegrams, October 1967
Date Created
1967-10
Description
Sympathy telegrams sent to the Robinson family on the death of Ruby D. Smith Robinson. 13 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A get-well letter from a New York Harriet Tubman School student wishing Ruby D. Smith Robinson recovery from her illness. Attached is a letter from teacher Marjorie Klatt introducing the student. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From School Teacher and Student, April 13, 1967
Date Created
1967-04-13
Description
A get-well letter from a New York Harriet Tubman School student wishing Ruby D. Smith Robinson recovery from her illness. Attached is a letter from teacher Marjorie Klatt introducing the student. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American children
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get-well card from Howard Zinn sending warm wishes to Ruby Doris Smith. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Get Well Card to Ruby Doris Smith From Howard Zinn, circa 1967
Date Created
1966/1968
Author
Zinn, Howard, 1922-2010
Description
Get-well card from Howard Zinn sending warm wishes to Ruby Doris Smith. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A get-well letter from Paula McCoy to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson describing a recent stamp program and McCoy offering to help Robinson during her illness. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From Paula McCoy, April 27, 1966
Date Created
1966-04-27
Author
McCoy, Paula
Description
A get-well letter from Paula McCoy to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson describing a recent stamp program and McCoy offering to help Robinson during her illness. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism