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 = Political participation
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
Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement 30th Anniversary Salute schedule of events. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Articles from Jet magazine about the American Labor Federation, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Reverend Fauntroy all about promoting equal rights. The article's first page talks about the American Labor Federation and its endorsement of President Lyndon B. Johnson about residential integration. The Second page is titled "SNCC, Dick Gregory Snub White," about SNCC and the racial tensions during the Vietnam War. The rest of the article discusses the negotiations and talks among CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SNCC, and the White House about racial justice and inequality. 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
The newspaper CORE-LATOR, published in March 1961, highlights the ongoing efforts to fight racial discrimination. The sit-in movement marked its first anniversary, leading to numerous jail-ins of students who refused to pay fines or accept bail for demonstrating against segregated facilities. The newspaper also reports on other activities, such as picketing discriminatory businesses. In summary, the newspaper emphasizes the importance of direct nonviolent methods in abolishing racial discrimination. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Lonnie C. King describes how some Black leaders have not supported their efforts for equality. However, he notes that the community has united to fight racial segregation, with various professions and groups joining the picket lines and forming committees to support the boycott. Despite some losing their jobs, the author argues that the fight for freedom and equality must continue and calls on these few leaders to join in the struggle. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In 1960, Lonnie King writes about the dangerous situation in New Orleans due to the inability of the Louisiana State Legislature to accept federal law over state decrees. The student committee hopes that Georgia has learned from Little Rock and New Orleans and will act quickly to implement the courts' decision for integrated public schools. The New Orleans situation reflects poorly on the US' image abroad, and King wonders how African and Asian peoples perceive it. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in The Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King noting if someone didn't vote in the election, they have no right to argue about the outcome, and how action must be taken to rectify the situation. He states the true meaning of democracy will only be achieved when the beliefs and ideals that have built the country are brought into harmony with the realities of daily life for all Americans. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King notes Atlanta appears to have calmed down after the student-led protests. However, the desegregation of lunch counters and equal hiring practices for Black individuals are still outstanding issues. Removing discriminatory signs from public spaces and accepting freedom as a permanent part of Atlanta's future is necessary before progress can be made. The fight against discrimination requires ongoing effort and donations to organizations such as the NAACP and SCLC to continue the struggle. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Articles about segregation policies, racial voting demographics, and the 1960 Presidential Election Race between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon the day before November 8th elections. The Atlanta Inquirer contrasts both presidential candidates' platforms. The articles depict two Spelman students, one in her junior year and the other in her senior, holding signs showing their backed candidate (Nixon-Lodge and Kennedy-Johnson). An illustration of a political cartoon shows a man standing in-between two posters; one saying "For President, Kennedy," and the other saying " For President, Nixon." At the bottom of the cartoon, it says, "The Man or The Party?". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document covers the widespread civil rights demonstrations on Election Day, organized by students across the United States. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the urgent need for adequate civil rights guarantees. Hundreds of sign-carrying students participated in the Chicago demonstration, which reminded both political parties about the importance of racial equality. The protests were initiated in response to a call from the Atlanta conference of student sit-in leaders, sponsored by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Students marched in various cities, including New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh, demanding executive orders to support embattled African Americans, end discrimination in federally supported housing, and ensure the right to vote for all citizens. The demonstrations highlighted that the fight for civil rights transcends party lines, and students emphasized their commitment to the year-round battle against racial discrimination. The text emphasizes the significance of these demonstrations, showcasing the immense support for the civil rights movement among Northern students, and emphasizes the need for continuous and coordinated activism to achieve lasting change. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by Lonnie King marking the recent student movement's epitaph as an example of student and community. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This booklet highlights the methodology, philosophy, and some anecdotes of nonviolent protest against racial discrimination and segregation.  There are 22 anecdotes about protest and travel with information columns about CORE to aid in nonviolent demonstrations across the country. 16 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism