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 booklet identifying Atlanta University Center's historical markers for the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
AUC Campus Markers Committee COAHR 40th Anniversary, circa 2000
Date Created
1999/2001
Description
A booklet identifying Atlanta University Center's historical markers for the Atlanta Student Movement. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A detailed timeline of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement in chronological order. It starts on February 1, 1960, with four North Carolina A&T State University students participating in a Sit-In protest at Woolworth lunch counter. After that incident, students from the Atlanta University Center organized the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. Then the timeline describes events from February 1, 1960, to September 26, 1961, when downtown lunch counters were desegregated. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Voices of the Student Movement", Chronology of Events, 1990
Date Created
1990
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A detailed timeline of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement in chronological order. It starts on February 1, 1960, with four North Carolina A&T State University students participating in a Sit-In protest at Woolworth lunch counter. After that incident, students from the Atlanta University Center organized the Committee on Appeal for Human Rights. Then the timeline describes events from February 1, 1960, to September 26, 1961, when downtown lunch counters were desegregated. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Segregation, Protest movements
Collection
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
Born to Rebel, Dr Benjamin Elijah Mays Autobiography, circa 1970
Date Created
1969/1972
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a flyer about Florida A&M student William H. Larkins visiting CORE in Chicago, Illinois. Larkin was a student activist recently released from Jail due to his sit-in demonstrations. While in Chicago, CORE provided a schedule and list of locations where Larkin was to speak at. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Florida A and M Student Leader William H. Larkins Visits Chicago", 1969
Date Created
1969
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This is a flyer about Florida A&M student William H. Larkins visiting CORE in Chicago, Illinois. Larkin was a student activist recently released from Jail due to his sit-in demonstrations. While in Chicago, CORE provided a schedule and list of locations where Larkin was to speak at. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document provides a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the Texas Southern University (TSU) incident, which occurred on May 16, focusing on the events from May 15-17. The report sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the incident, often labeled as a "riot," although evidence of looting or organized violence is absent. Instead, it reveals a harsh display of police force directed towards the college campus, leading to numerous arrests and injuries, as well as the tragic death of a student. The report highlights the lack of proper reporting, underrepresenting the victims' perspectives, and attempts to hold the city accountable for its actions. The document includes photographs and statements from witnesses and participants, intending to provide a more accurate understanding of the situation and challenge the official narrative. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Texas Southern University Riot Report, 1967
Date Created
1967
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document provides a detailed account of the events that unfolded during the Texas Southern University (TSU) incident, which occurred on May 16, focusing on the events from May 15-17. The report sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the incident, often labeled as a "riot," although evidence of looting or organized violence is absent. Instead, it reveals a harsh display of police force directed towards the college campus, leading to numerous arrests and injuries, as well as the tragic death of a student. The report highlights the lack of proper reporting, underrepresenting the victims' perspectives, and attempts to hold the city accountable for its actions. The document includes photographs and statements from witnesses and participants, intending to provide a more accurate understanding of the situation and challenge the official narrative. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students, Protest movements, College students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith and unidentified people kneel and pray with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener Alabama during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith and Group Hold Demonstration for William Lewis Moore, circa 1963
Date Created
1961/1965
Description
Ruby D. Smith and unidentified people kneel and pray with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener Alabama during a protest march.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, Groups and organization
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith and Group Hold Demonstration for William Lewis Moore, circa 1963
Date Created
1961/1965
Description
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Demonstration for William Lewis Moore, circa 1963
Date Created
1961/1965
Description
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Demonstration for William Lewis Moore, circa 1963
Date Created
1961/1965
Description
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, Groups and organization
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Demonstration for William Lewis Moore, circa 1963
Date Created
1961/1965
Description
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, Groups and organization
Collection
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
Letter to Mother From Ruby D. Smith, June 10, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-10
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Speaking on behalf of CORE, James Farmer urges immediate action to end segregation in bus, train, and airline terminals, emphasizing the need for sacrifices, deliberate decision-making, and a spirit of reconciliation. CORE plans additional Freedom Rides and requests applications from individuals willing to engage in nonviolent direct action. Accompanied with the letter are two blue-colored applications for CORE and Freedom Rides. 6 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Freedom Ride Correspondence and Applications, May 1961
Date Created
1961-05
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
Speaking on behalf of CORE, James Farmer urges immediate action to end segregation in bus, train, and airline terminals, emphasizing the need for sacrifices, deliberate decision-making, and a spirit of reconciliation. CORE plans additional Freedom Rides and requests applications from individuals willing to engage in nonviolent direct action. Accompanied with the letter are two blue-colored applications for CORE and Freedom Rides. 6 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Jailed In," written by Thomas Gaither, discusses his experience of being jailed for 30 days with eight other students because of their sit-in protest in Rock-Hill, South Carolina. Gaither talks about the events leading to the protest in Rock Hill, South Carolina, preceded by a protest in Greensboro, North Carolina, in February 1960. Afterward, he describes the experience of being arrested and tried in South Carolina. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Jailed In" by Thomas Gaither, April 1961
Date Created
1961-04
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
"Jailed In," written by Thomas Gaither, discusses his experience of being jailed for 30 days with eight other students because of their sit-in protest in Rock-Hill, South Carolina. Gaither talks about the events leading to the protest in Rock Hill, South Carolina, preceded by a protest in Greensboro, North Carolina, in February 1960. Afterward, he describes the experience of being arrested and tried in South Carolina. 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In this letter, James R. Robinson seeks support to sustain and advance the organization's program of action, emphasizing the progress made over the past twenty years, the ongoing struggles for integration, and the need for financial contributions. The letter appeals for support and urges them to make a generous contribution to help achieve a genuine Brotherhood in America. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE, Behind Bars for Freedom Letter, April 1961
Date Created
1961-04
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
In this letter, James R. Robinson seeks support to sustain and advance the organization's program of action, emphasizing the progress made over the past twenty years, the ongoing struggles for integration, and the need for financial contributions. The letter appeals for support and urges them to make a generous contribution to help achieve a genuine Brotherhood in America. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a preliminary draft announcement from the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) regarding the Freedom Ride, 1961. The Freedom Ride is a planned initiative to achieve complete integration of bus service and accommodations in the Deep South. It will involve an interracial group of highly trained and dedicated CORE members who will challenge Jim Crow segregation wherever encountered during their journey from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans. The document provides information on the purpose, itinerary, participant requirements, and contact details for those interested in joining the project. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Freedom Ride, 1961 Preliminary Draft", March 13, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-13
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This document is a preliminary draft announcement from the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) regarding the Freedom Ride, 1961. The Freedom Ride is a planned initiative to achieve complete integration of bus service and accommodations in the Deep South. It will involve an interracial group of highly trained and dedicated CORE members who will challenge Jim Crow segregation wherever encountered during their journey from Washington, D.C. to New Orleans. The document provides information on the purpose, itinerary, participant requirements, and contact details for those interested in joining the project. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Ann Arbor Direct Action Committee and Detroit CORE are organizing national demonstrations to pressure the Kresge Company to integrate their Southern lunch counters to achieve 100% integration and write to the President of Kresge in support of complete integration, emphasizing the need for change in the Deep South and the potential influence on other chains. The item includes a list of cities with lunch counters that opened around February 1st, 1960. The Crisis in Western Tennessee is summarized, highlighting the importance of long-term solutions through Operation Freedom and the need for relief contributions to support local organizations addressing the crisis. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE, Call To Action, National Kresge Demonstrations, March 9, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-09
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
The Ann Arbor Direct Action Committee and Detroit CORE are organizing national demonstrations to pressure the Kresge Company to integrate their Southern lunch counters to achieve 100% integration and write to the President of Kresge in support of complete integration, emphasizing the need for change in the Deep South and the potential influence on other chains. The item includes a list of cities with lunch counters that opened around February 1st, 1960. The Crisis in Western Tennessee is summarized, highlighting the importance of long-term solutions through Operation Freedom and the need for relief contributions to support local organizations addressing the crisis. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Students Prefer Jail-Ins to Bail-Outs" newspaper article in the Southern Patriot about the southern student movement, highlighting the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee as leaders in the movement. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Students Prefer Jail Ins to Bail Outs", March 1961
Date Created
1961-03
Description
"Students Prefer Jail-Ins to Bail-Outs" newspaper article in the Southern Patriot about the southern student movement, highlighting the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee as leaders in the movement. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about the Atlanta Student Movement, including the jail not bail demonstration and Ruby Doris Smith's arrest and jailing. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Inquirer, February 11, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Description
Articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about the Atlanta Student Movement, including the jail not bail demonstration and Ruby Doris Smith's arrest and jailing. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
FIX DESCRIPTION TO MATCH title
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Getting out of Jail, 1961
Date Created
1961
Description
FIX DESCRIPTION TO MATCH title
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American women
Collection
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, circa 1962
Date Created
1960/1964
Description
Ruby D. Smith holds signs with other college students [poor original image quality].
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism