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 = Race discrimination
  • Series = Mary Ann Smith Wilson
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91. A thank you letter to Ann Smith for her speech and participation in the 30th anniversary of COAHR. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Thank you letter to Dr. Mary Ann Smith From Tschnavia Williams, February 6, 1991
Date Created
1991-02-06
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Planning Committee 90-91. A thank you letter to Ann Smith for her speech and participation in the 30th anniversary of COAHR. 9 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article written by Stephen J. Goldfrab. This article discusses the civil rights movement in Greensboro, N.C. during the 1960s. The city had a paradoxical nature, being both racially moderate and having segregated public facilities and employment. The author of the article, Stephen J. Goldfrab, uses interviews to tell the story of the sit-ins and demonstrations that led to desegregation in Greensboro, but neglects to discuss the role of voting in the civil rights movement. The author refers to Historian William H. Chafes to give context about Greensboro, N.C. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Greensboro, City of Racial Paradoxes", by Stephen J. Goldfarb, circa 1993
Date Created
1990/1996
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An article written by Stephen J. Goldfrab. This article discusses the civil rights movement in Greensboro, N.C. during the 1960s. The city had a paradoxical nature, being both racially moderate and having segregated public facilities and employment. The author of the article, Stephen J. Goldfrab, uses interviews to tell the story of the sit-ins and demonstrations that led to desegregation in Greensboro, but neglects to discuss the role of voting in the civil rights movement. The author refers to Historian William H. Chafes to give context about Greensboro, N.C. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American civil rights workers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson was invited to serve as a panelist at the Symposium on the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Civil Rights Movement on November 10, 1990, as part of a two-day celebration recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta Movement. The Symposium was held in Davage Auditorium, located in Haven-Warren Hall, on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, and discussed six themes, including politics, leadership, legal/criminal justice, women, education, and economics. Panelists are asked to meet for a panel discussion moderated by Julian Bond following the presentations. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From Planning Committee, October 2, 1990
Date Created
1990-10-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson was invited to serve as a panelist at the Symposium on the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Civil Rights Movement on November 10, 1990, as part of a two-day celebration recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Atlanta Movement. The Symposium was held in Davage Auditorium, located in Haven-Warren Hall, on the campus of Clark Atlanta University, and discussed six themes, including politics, leadership, legal/criminal justice, women, education, and economics. Panelists are asked to meet for a panel discussion moderated by Julian Bond following the presentations. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An invitation booklet for the commemoration event of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event, RSVP and Donation Card, October 1990
Date Created
1990-10
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An invitation booklet for the commemoration event of the Atlanta University Center Civil Rights Movement. 5 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An image reenacting a sit-in protest in Greensboro, North Carolina at Woolworth's lunch counter. This reenactment was in commemoration of it's 30th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. Highlighted figures: Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Historic Civil Rights Moment Relived", February 2, 1990
Date Created
1990-02-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
An image reenacting a sit-in protest in Greensboro, North Carolina at Woolworth's lunch counter. This reenactment was in commemoration of it's 30th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. Highlighted figures: Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan, Franklin McCain, and David Richmond. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American civil rights worker, African Americans--Segregation
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
Articles in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Intown Extra about the Atlanta student movement, desegregation, An Appeal for Human Rights, sit-ins, and key figures. Figures highlighted include Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Lonnie C. King, Ben Brown, and Julian Bond. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Journal Constitution Intown Extra, February 21, 1980
Date Created
1980-02-21
Description
Articles in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Intown Extra about the Atlanta student movement, desegregation, An Appeal for Human Rights, sit-ins, and key figures. Figures highlighted include Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Lonnie C. King, Ben Brown, and Julian Bond. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Civil Rights movements
Collection
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
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin, Fall 1969
Date Created
1969
Description
American Friends Service Committee Fall Bulletin from the Southeastern Regional Office. Bulletin discusses current race relations and progress in school desegregation. 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
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer have themes of housing in Georgia and the Atlanta Metro Area, the Christmas season, and integration. Articles published in the Atlanta Inquirer are "When the Lights Go On Again, M. Carl Holman's " 'Fine Singing' From Lockheed," What Did We Do to Support A Strong Housing Order?" accompanied by a political cartoon, "Letters To the Editor," and "If We are Ready". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 30, 1961
Date Created
1961-12-30
Description
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer have themes of housing in Georgia and the Atlanta Metro Area, the Christmas season, and integration. Articles published in the Atlanta Inquirer are "When the Lights Go On Again, M. Carl Holman's " 'Fine Singing' From Lockheed," What Did We Do to Support A Strong Housing Order?" accompanied by a political cartoon, "Letters To the Editor," and "If We are Ready". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article written one day before Christmas Eve in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman called "The Hopes and Fears of All the Years.." The article is about the dichotomy of the civil rights movement: proponents of the civil rights protest vs. critics of the civil rights protest. Holman narrates about a Lady and her opposition to the protest during the Christmas Holiday Season. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Hopes And Fears Of All The Years", December 23, 1961
Date Created
1961-12-23
Description
An article written one day before Christmas Eve in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman called "The Hopes and Fears of All the Years.." The article is about the dichotomy of the civil rights movement: proponents of the civil rights protest vs. critics of the civil rights protest. Holman narrates about a Lady and her opposition to the protest during the Christmas Holiday Season. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a list of cities that have had demonstrations against lunch counter-discrimination. The following states are listed: Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia--totaling 33 cities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE Cities of Demonstrations, February 20, 1961
Date Created
1961-11-20
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
This is a list of cities that have had demonstrations against lunch counter-discrimination. The following states are listed: Alabama, North Carolina, Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia--totaling 33 cities. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Race discrimination
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals" article in the Atlanta Inquirer about a ruling on the Interstate Commerce Commission prohibiting discrimination on interstate buses and terminal facilities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals", September 30, 1961
Date Created
1961-09-30
Description
"Freedom Rides Vindicated, ICC Rules on Bus Terminals" article in the Atlanta Inquirer about a ruling on the Interstate Commerce Commission prohibiting discrimination on interstate buses and terminal facilities. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, Race discrimination, Civil rights movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer article about four Atlanta student leaders who filed a desegregation suit against the City of Atlanta to gain equal access to Atlanta's parks, tennis courts, and City Auditorium. Four student leaders from Atlanta filed a desegregation lawsuit in U.S. District Court on May 17, seeking to abolish racial segregation in all public facilities owned, operated, maintained, or subsidized by the City of Atlanta, Georgia. The students cited refusals of equal use of Atlanta�s parks, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium as the basis for their lawsuit. They filed the suit without an attorney and paid fees for warrants to be served on the defendants. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Sue for Equal Use of Parks", May 20, 1961
Date Created
1961-05-20
Description
Atlanta Inquirer article about four Atlanta student leaders who filed a desegregation suit against the City of Atlanta to gain equal access to Atlanta's parks, tennis courts, and City Auditorium. Four student leaders from Atlanta filed a desegregation lawsuit in U.S. District Court on May 17, seeking to abolish racial segregation in all public facilities owned, operated, maintained, or subsidized by the City of Atlanta, Georgia. The students cited refusals of equal use of Atlanta�s parks, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium as the basis for their lawsuit. They filed the suit without an attorney and paid fees for warrants to be served on the defendants. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
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
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From Warren Scott, March 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-22
Author
Scott, Warren
Description
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.
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
Correspondence from William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe to Mary Ann Smith notifying her of a meeting for the Atlanta Student Adult Liaison. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Correspondence to Mary Ann Smith From William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe, March 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-22
Author
Borders, Williams H., Lowe, C.M.
Description
Correspondence from William H. Borders and C.M. Lowe to Mary Ann Smith notifying her of a meeting for the Atlanta Student Adult Liaison. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR meeting notes about student demonstrations and planning. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, March 7, 1961
Date Created
1961-03-07
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR meeting notes about student demonstrations and planning. 11 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In Fayette and Haywood counties in Tennessee, African American families faced evictions and boycotts after registering to vote. The evictees set up a tent city called "Freedom Village" as they refused to leave their homes. Operation Freedom, a nationwide initiative, was established to provide financial assistance, including loans and gifts, to support those affected by the evictions and boycotts. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"A Call for Help", March 1961
Date Created
1961-03
Creator
Operation Freedom
Description
In Fayette and Haywood counties in Tennessee, African American families faced evictions and boycotts after registering to vote. The evictees set up a tent city called "Freedom Village" as they refused to leave their homes. Operation Freedom, a nationwide initiative, was established to provide financial assistance, including loans and gifts, to support those affected by the evictions and boycotts. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Demographic surveys, Race discrimination, Voter registration
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
In February 1961, a memo from Richard Haley, Field Secretary of CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), discussed the repressive treatments of African Americans in Fayette and Haywood Counties, Tennessee, and referred to Robert Boyd's investigation of these counties. The memo highlighted the denial of credit, evictions, voter suppression, and restrictions on gasoline purchases faced by registered Black farmers and outlined efforts by CORE and other organizations to assist, including supplies and funds for land-sharing and a loan fund. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
CORE, Fayette, Haywood Counties, February 11, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Creator
Congress of Racial Equality
Description
In February 1961, a memo from Richard Haley, Field Secretary of CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), discussed the repressive treatments of African Americans in Fayette and Haywood Counties, Tennessee, and referred to Robert Boyd's investigation of these counties. The memo highlighted the denial of credit, evictions, voter suppression, and restrictions on gasoline purchases faced by registered Black farmers and outlined efforts by CORE and other organizations to assist, including supplies and funds for land-sharing and a loan fund. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Demographic surveys, Race discrimination, Voter registration
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The article "Doing What Comes Naturally," by Holman, was published in the Atlanta Inquirer on February 4th, 1941. Holman criticized Wilma Rudolph for lacking cordiality during her visit to Atlanta. The writer suggested that some Negro athletes use a masquerade when speaking on social issues. However, others argue that athletes should not be limited in expressing their opinions, and Wilma Rudolph was regarded as genuine and gracious by most people she met in Atlanta. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Doing What Comes Naturally", February 4, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-04
Description
The article "Doing What Comes Naturally," by Holman, was published in the Atlanta Inquirer on February 4th, 1941. Holman criticized Wilma Rudolph for lacking cordiality during her visit to Atlanta. The writer suggested that some Negro athletes use a masquerade when speaking on social issues. However, others argue that athletes should not be limited in expressing their opinions, and Wilma Rudolph was regarded as genuine and gracious by most people she met in Atlanta. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes discussing recent movement activities and jailing. Note to meet again within two weeks. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Meeting Notes, February 1961
Date Created
1961-02
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights meeting notes discussing recent movement activities and jailing. Note to meet again within two weeks. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism