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 = Voting
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
A letter from John Wesley Dobbs to Mary Ann Smith, Secretary of the Student Government Association at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. Dobbs expresses satisfaction with the planning and cooperation of the representatives of six institutions of higher learning and believes that their expressions represent the views of one million Negroes living in Georgia. The letter also mentions an enclosed copy of a letter written to Dr. Rufus E. Clement, President of the University Center League. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A letter of commendation from the President of the Georgia Voters League, John Wesley Dobbs, to Dr. Clement, President of Atlanta University, and associates of Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, for their "Appeal for Human Rights" published in local papers. The letter praises the statement as a strong and noble representation of intelligent thinking, wise planning, and noble endeavor to reach the minds and hearts of people in the community and state. The letter expresses pride in their leadership and cooperation and wishes them success in their efforts for liberty and freedom for all American citizens, regardless of race, color, or creed. 1 page.
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