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 = Groups and organizations
  • 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
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
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 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 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 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
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
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
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