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 women
"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
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
Certificate of Appreciation from the Atlanta City Council presented to Mary Ann Smith in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement and the "An Appeal for Human Rights". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A correspondence letter written to Ann Sumrall from Chief Judge A.L Thompson. It is concerning a meeting for the VOICES of the Atlanta Student Movement on Tuesday, June 1st, 1999 at the Paschal's Center. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The "Voices Of The Atlanta Student Movement" was a program that collaborated with the Robert H. Brisbane Institute to help preserve the legacy of the Student Movement at the Atlanta University Center. They abided by a three-point approach: the "Archival", the "Educational, and the "Commemorative". This booklet states to an archival special event held on the campus of Spelman College. Featured figures were Ruby Doris Smith. 10 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A biographical list of panelists for the Voices of The Atlanta Student Movement. The list is compelled of five activists: Carolyn Long Banks, Herschelle Challenor, Rober E. Felder,  Jesse Hill Jr., and Lonnie C. King Jr. All of them were active in the Atlanta Student Movement during the 1960s and went on to achieve various accomplishments in their careers. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Book review of "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Fleming. Review by Angela Brown Terrell in Spelman's Messenger Magazine Summer/Fall 1998 Issue. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Meet the Author Flyer for Cynthia Griggs Fleming for her book, "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", books provided by WordsWorth Booksellers. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Meet the Author Flyer for Cynthia Griggs Fleming for her book "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson", books provided by WordsWorth Booksellers. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Book promotion flyer for "Soon We Will Not Cry: The Liberation of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson" by Cynthia Griggs Fleming. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
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
Summary/follow-up letter written by Mary Ann Smith to a Committee Member. She recaps details from "COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91 - CAU Meeting Notes, November 10, 1990' for the Committee Member. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Merit from Mayor Maynard Jackson presented to Mary Ann Wilson for contributions to the city of Atlanta. In reference to "Atlanta Student Movement 30th Anniversary Event, November 10, 1990". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
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
Mary Ann Smith Wilson at a banquet event.
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
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
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
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
"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
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
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
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
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin from the Southeastern Regional Office. Bulletin discusses current race relations and progress in school desegregation. 3 pages.
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
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
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
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
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
A letter from Peggy Hendrix of the House of Representatives describes an enclosed check for session work to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Epitaph Document for Ruby Doris Smith Robinson for tombstone inscription. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson is holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson, while he plays with a toy xylophone.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson smiles and holds her son, Kenneth Toure Robinson.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Ruby Doris Smith to her mother about being in Conakry, Guinea in West Africa. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi, to her mother. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
To her mother, the letter is from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from Warren Scott, the Episcopal Chaplain at the Atlanta University Center, inviting Mary Ann Smith to dinner at the Canterbury House. The dinner guests are "members of the Canterbury Association who were in jail, some student movement leaders, and others." 2 pages.
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
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
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Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sisters Mary, Ruby, and Catherine Smith in California.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby Doris Smith Robinson lays on the floor and writes on a notepad.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith, wearing a blue dress, siting and smiling at a dinner.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith holds signs with other college students [poor original image quality].
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith talks with other college students [poor original image quality].
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Three women wear signs in protest saying, "Don't Buy Segregation" and "Don't Buy Here"  during demonstration in Atlanta.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence from the Phyllis Wheatley Branch of Young Women's Christian Association to Mary Ann Smith inviting Mary Ann to a meeting on the College Student Movement. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith stands in the snow next to a car with another young woman.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism