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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  • Decade = 1960-1969
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
"9 City Vote Trend Shown", November 7, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-07
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Political participation, Voting, Presidents
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
This report, authored by Wallace Westfeldt, examines the Nashville sit-in movement, which aimed to challenge racial segregation in the city. It highlights the presence of integrated schools, councils, and public facilities but emphasizes the need for integration in restaurants and diners. The report outlines the non-violent approach Fisk University, Tennessee State University, and American Baptist Theological Seminary students use during the sit-ins at downtown variety stores and bus terminals. The movement triggered arrests and raised complex legal and moral questions surrounding racial discrimination and the right to equal access to public facilities. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"A Report On Nashville", circa 1965
Date Created
1963/1967
Author
Westfeldt, Wallace
Description
This report, authored by Wallace Westfeldt, examines the Nashville sit-in movement, which aimed to challenge racial segregation in the city. It highlights the presence of integrated schools, councils, and public facilities but emphasizes the need for integration in restaurants and diners. The report outlines the non-violent approach Fisk University, Tennessee State University, and American Baptist Theological Seminary students use during the sit-ins at downtown variety stores and bus terminals. The movement triggered arrests and raised complex legal and moral questions surrounding racial discrimination and the right to equal access to public facilities. 9 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Student Liaison Committee individual and organization volunteer form. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Adult Student Liaison Committee Volunteer Form, circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
Atlanta Student Liaison Committee individual and organization volunteer form. 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
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
An excerpt from a newspaper advertisement in support of human dignity written by the Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action. The letter commends the peaceful efforts of Atlanta University Center students in their pursuit of equal treatment as citizens and human beings. The students' activities included an appeal for human rights, requests for food service, picketing, and a march to the State Capitol. The committee endorses the students' objectives and calls upon all individuals in public office, business, education, and civic life to work towards a community that values brotherhood and Christian justice for all. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"An Endorsement In Support of Human Dignity", circa 1962
Date Created
1960/1964
Description
An excerpt from a newspaper advertisement in support of human dignity written by the Atlanta Committee for Cooperative Action. The letter commends the peaceful efforts of Atlanta University Center students in their pursuit of equal treatment as citizens and human beings. The students' activities included an appeal for human rights, requests for food service, picketing, and a march to the State Capitol. The committee endorses the students' objectives and calls upon all individuals in public office, business, education, and civic life to work towards a community that values brotherhood and Christian justice for all. 1 page.
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
This document is an excerpt from the Atlanta Daily World Newspaper, expressing support for human dignity and equal rights for Negro citizens. The article acknowledges the contributions of Negro citizens to the city's progress and highlights their ongoing efforts for economic, civic, and cultural development. It references previous appeals for human rights and nonviolent protests by Atlanta University Center students, including sit-in efforts and a march to the State Capitol. The endorsement calls for equal job opportunities and condemns the unjust treatment of Negroes in employment practices. It also raises questions about the slow progress in achieving equal citizenship rights for Negroes, despite the passage of time since the Emancipation Proclamation. The endorsers emphasize distinguishing between peaceful protesters asserting their rights and those engaging in violence or hatred. The statement concludes with a call for unity, justice, and brotherhood in Atlanta. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"An Endorsement In Support of Human Dignity", May 29, 1960
Date Created
1960-05-29
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document is an excerpt from the Atlanta Daily World Newspaper, expressing support for human dignity and equal rights for Negro citizens. The article acknowledges the contributions of Negro citizens to the city's progress and highlights their ongoing efforts for economic, civic, and cultural development. It references previous appeals for human rights and nonviolent protests by Atlanta University Center students, including sit-in efforts and a march to the State Capitol. The endorsement calls for equal job opportunities and condemns the unjust treatment of Negroes in employment practices. It also raises questions about the slow progress in achieving equal citizenship rights for Negroes, despite the passage of time since the Emancipation Proclamation. The endorsers emphasize distinguishing between peaceful protesters asserting their rights and those engaging in violence or hatred. The statement concludes with a call for unity, justice, and brotherhood in Atlanta. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Article in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Newsletter in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Another Warrior Gone", September October 1967
Date Created
1967-10
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Commitee
Description
Article in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Newsletter in memoriam of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 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
Mary Ann Smith's arrest receipt from the city of Atlanta for participation in a sit-in. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Arrest Receipt, Mary Ann Smith, December 12, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-12
Creator
Atlanta Student Movement
Description
Mary Ann Smith's arrest receipt from the city of Atlanta for participation in a sit-in. 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
The front page of The Atlanta Inquirer is dated April 22nd, 1961. The newspaper issue features seven front-page articles:: "Attorney General Tells Inquirer: SIT-INS NOT BAR TO FEDERAL JOBS," "Pool Creek Pigeonholed Again," "Transit Co. Preps Negro Drivers," "Negro Lawyers To Hear Sec. of State Rusk At Biltmore," "Symposium At Clark College Honors Faculty Author," "Lockheed Council Reports Job Forms Pouring In," and "Poole Creek Civic League Prest Ousted." 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Inquirer, April 22, 1961
Date Created
1961-04-22
Description
The front page of The Atlanta Inquirer is dated April 22nd, 1961. The newspaper issue features seven front-page articles:: "Attorney General Tells Inquirer: SIT-INS NOT BAR TO FEDERAL JOBS," "Pool Creek Pigeonholed Again," "Transit Co. Preps Negro Drivers," "Negro Lawyers To Hear Sec. of State Rusk At Biltmore," "Symposium At Clark College Honors Faculty Author," "Lockheed Council Reports Job Forms Pouring In," and "Poole Creek Civic League Prest Ousted." 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Dispute Resolution (Law), Labor
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about segregation and race relations in the city. On the second page of the Atlanta Inquirer, each piece pertains to the Civil Rights Movement: "Looking the Other Way" by M. Carl Holman, "Separate But Not Equal" by Jesse O. Thomas, "Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, and "The Bible Speaks" by Rev. John A. Middleton. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 17, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-17
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about segregation and race relations in the city. On the second page of the Atlanta Inquirer, each piece pertains to the Civil Rights Movement: "Looking the Other Way" by M. Carl Holman, "Separate But Not Equal" by Jesse O. Thomas, "Let Freedom Ring" by Lonnie King, and "The Bible Speaks" by Rev. John A. Middleton. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Christmas Eve edition of the Atlanta Inquirer was published on December 24th, 1960. The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about community meetings against segregation at church, the "economic withdrawal of Negro trade and Negro money" as an effective tool in ending segregation, and the funding gap in Black and White schools. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-24
Description
The Christmas Eve edition of the Atlanta Inquirer was published on December 24th, 1960. The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about community meetings against segregation at church, the "economic withdrawal of Negro trade and Negro money" as an effective tool in ending segregation, and the funding gap in Black and White schools. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
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
Article in the Atlanta Inquirer about Georgia's increasing school dropout rates and a letter to the editor about the pressure and strain on students integrating schools. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, December 9, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-09
Description
Article in the Atlanta Inquirer about Georgia's increasing school dropout rates and a letter to the editor about the pressure and strain on students integrating schools. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African Americans--Education
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
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about political influence on race discrimination related to recent local events and the inaugural ball. Articles featured in this issue are "Signs Of The Times," Holman's "The Inquirer Speaks," "Black Week." accompanied by a political cartoon, and "Letters The Editor". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, January 21, 1961
Date Created
1961-01-21
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about political influence on race discrimination related to recent local events and the inaugural ball. Articles featured in this issue are "Signs Of The Times," Holman's "The Inquirer Speaks," "Black Week." accompanied by a political cartoon, and "Letters The Editor". 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
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are "Seventy-Seven Years of Service," Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, January 28, 1961
Date Created
1961-01-28
Description
These articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about Black student admission into the University of Georgia, the Butler Street YMCA anniversary, racial tensions, and the need to include more details on the student movement efforts and results in other news platforms such as the local public radios. Titles of articles in this issue of Atlanta Inquirer are "Seventy-Seven Years of Service," Holman's "The Man with The Bag," H. Julian Bond's "Perspectives," "One Worth A Thousand," "DeKalb County Would Pay For Racial Strife," and Rev. Middletown with Dr. Thomas J. Pugh's "The Bible Speaks". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The front page of The Atlanta Inquirer is dated May 13th, 1961. The headline of the newspaper issue is "Georgia Tech Accepts 3 Negroes". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Atlanta Inquirer, May 13,1961
Date Created
1961-05-13
Description
The front page of The Atlanta Inquirer is dated May 13th, 1961. The headline of the newspaper issue is "Georgia Tech Accepts 3 Negroes". 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Political campaigns, Sports, School integration
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about the increased opposition to the Atlanta Student Movement, clarification about the movement's mission, and parents' concern over the unequal facilities for student athletics amongst White and Black schools. Articles include Lonnie King's "Let Freedom Ring," "More Than A Statistic," E. Chatman's "A Parent's Concern," "Former Georgian Comes Home," and "Who Sets the Quota?" 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, September 12, 1960
Date Created
1960-09-12
Description
The articles in the Atlanta Inquirer are about the increased opposition to the Atlanta Student Movement, clarification about the movement's mission, and parents' concern over the unequal facilities for student athletics amongst White and Black schools. Articles include Lonnie King's "Let Freedom Ring," "More Than A Statistic," E. Chatman's "A Parent's Concern," "Former Georgian Comes Home," and "Who Sets the Quota?" 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about state public school inequities, lack of books in schools, and continued student demonstrations and protests. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Inquirer, September 26, 1960
Date Created
1960-09-26
Description
Articles in the Atlanta Inquirer about state public school inequities, lack of books in schools, and continued student demonstrations and protests. 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