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 = African American students
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
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
A paper written by James Forman, an Organizational Secretary. Forman divides the paper into four sections: "Toward a Definition of power for Us, the Powerless", "The Political Organizer is a Leader", "Three Qualities of a good organizer", and "Seven Steps a political organizer must take if he is to be effective". Forman illustrates the fundamental qualities of what he believes to be a leader and organizer of a political movement. He mentions that a good organizer is a well-rounded individual that demonstrates effectiveness and awareness of situations. Forman uses this paper for an SNCC workshop. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A newsletter from the Bay Area SNCC Liberation Nets on November 1967. It starts with reflecting on the change in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and its dedicated young black activists, discussing the toll of their previous struggles and the brutality they faced. It then provides a biography of Ruby Doris Robinson, a prominent SNCC member who dedicated herself to the Black liberation movement but passed away due to cancer. The newsletter highlights the need for support and donations of various resources for SNCC's programs, including educational initiatives, community organizing, and political education. This document describes three incidents of racist police aggression in the Bay Area, one involving Huey P. Newton. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This booklet titled "Black Body White Mind" argues that education in the United States has been used to perpetuate White supremacy and to keep Black people in a subordinate position. The author discusses the history of Negro education in the United States and argues that Negro schools have been White-oriented and have not met the needs of the Black community. The author also argues that the civil rights movement's focus on integration has not effectively addressed the underlying problems of racism in education. 17 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a manifesto of the Black Panther Party. The manifesto describes the Black Panther Party as the "vanguard of the colonized Black Nation in North America...Our objectives are national liberation, the overthrow of the white racist's (colonizer's) power over us, and the establishment of Black Humanism". The five-page manifesto is separated into two sections: Philosophy and Program. Section one of Philosophy summarizes the Black Panther Party's mission to defend against any antagonism aimed toward the Black community and fight white racism and colonial oppression. Section Two outlines the program of the Black Panther Party. It is described as raising political consciousness, achieving national liberation, and promoting unity and freedom through any necessary means. The section concludes by asserting that the world belongs to Black people. 5 pages.
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
This is a report from SNCC's journey to Guinea, West Africa, on September 23rd, 1964. The group was met by the Director General of the Ministry of Information and Tourism, Diallo Alpha. While in West Africa, the group discussed the implications and the effects of colonialism on Guinea and  African nations. Diallo Alpha illustrates the functions of the National Government of Guinea with other African governments and how they have been influenced and affected by foreign agencies and policies. Further in the document, SNCC and other African leaders share pan-Africanist ideals with each other and remark on racial anecdotes about colonialism and American racism. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Stokely Carmichael, Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), issued a statement condemning the bombing and burning of Black churches in the American South. Carmichael argues that these acts of violence are traditional methods employed by white racists to express their disdain and hatred towards African Americans who dare to protest against their inhumane treatment and degradation. He criticizes the lack of response from federal, state, and local authorities and the FBI, who fail to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Carmichael sees this as a reflection of white America's approval and collaboration in perpetuating racism. He highlights recent church bombings in Lowndes County, Alabama, where Viola Liuzzo and Jonathan Daniels were murdered, and emphasizes the routine investigations conducted by authorities that yield no substantial results. Carmichael draws parallels between the current state of affairs and the Reconstruction era, pointing out the ousting of Adam Clayton Powell from Congress as evidence of continued oppression. He suggests that Black people increasingly recognize the need to fight back against the long history of genocide, lynchings, bombings, and burnings, asserting that these acts will only strengthen their resolve for justice. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This newspaper article discusses the ongoing civil rights activism among college students, particularly African-Americans, highlighting their involvement in recent social issues and their determination to fight for their beliefs. The article features interviews with Alisha Thomas, a senior at Spelman College, and Khalid Salaam, a reporter for The Panther, the Clark Atlanta University newspaper. It explores students' various outlets to express their views, such as marches, rallies, and student-controlled media. The article also mentions activists' challenges, including apathy and the need for greater student engagement. The issue of the state flag, which bears symbols of the Confederacy, emerges as a critical concern among students. The article emphasizes the role of students in demanding social change and cites Benjamin Mays, the former president of Morehouse College, to underscore the significance of individual contributions to making a difference. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Cooperatives" is a practical guide to forming and operating cooperatives (coops), focusing on businesses owned and controlled by people patronizing the enterprise. The guide covers crucial aspects of establishing a cooperative, such as conducting a feasibility study, determining potential membership, required management skills, facilities, operating costs, and necessary capital. It also emphasizes the significance of incorporation regulations, available community resources, and other relevant considerations. The document further provides insights into the scope of business, membership qualifications, representation on the Board of Directors, and obtaining capital through subscriptions while stressing the importance of legal aid throughout the cooperative's establishment process. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is a correspondence letter from Edward B. King. Jr., to Mary Ann Smith on December 30th, 1960. In the letter, King reminds Smith that the Coordinating Committee voted to meet on January 7th, 1961, on the Fisk University campus. King explains the meeting is about the final plans for the February 1st "Sit-In" Anniversary Action Day Project and requests Mary Ann Smith to respond if she plans on attending the meeting. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document provides an overview of an Economic Workshop held by SNCC in February 1967, with a focus on addressing the economic conditions of the black community. The workshop emphasizes the importance of economic freedom alongside the political aspects of community organizing. It proposes the establishment of small cooperatives and credit unions as a means to improve the economic situation of black people in rural South and northern ghettos. The suggested plan is intended to serve as a foundation and guide for programs aimed at achieving economic and political freedom. The workshop coordinator is John Buffington. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document offers a firsthand account of the Dharasana Salt Satyagraha, where many volunteers in India protested against police regulations. Following Gandhi's principle of non-violence, the volunteers endured beatings without retaliating. The report emphasizes the discipline, determination, and refusal to disperse demonstrated by the volunteers, who viewed their injuries as martyrdom for the cause of Indian independence. The scenes witnessed were astonishing, defying the expectation of violence, and the reporter expresses feelings of disgust and emotional impact, having covered numerous civil disturbances and rebellions in the past.  2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is in commemoration, titled "February 1st Freedom Day Action",  of the first sit-in protest on February 1st, 1960. The document celebrates successful sit-in protests across the United States because of the large-scale participation from students. The document highlights the events before and after February 1st. As well the document mentions the Sit-In protest at theaters across the country. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document has two articles; one is titled "From Sit-Ins to Sell-Outs. A Call to Action NOW" by Atmore T. Simpson, and the other article is titled "The Truth About the Atlanta Sit-downs and the Role of Martin Luther King" by C.B Williams. Simpson discusses the sell-out by the Black middle-class leadership in Atlanta, comparing it to the betrayal of Judas in the Bible. It criticizes the repeated betrayals by Black leadership and traces this pattern before to the time of Booker T. Washington. The recent sell-out involved an agreement between Black leaders and white merchants to reopen segregated lunch counters and eliminate boycotts and demonstrations. The article urges Black individuals to assert their determination, boycott downtown stores, support genuine leaders, and continue the struggle for freedom. It also highlights the discontent among students and the role of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and student leader Lonnie King, along with other members of the sit-in group, refuse bail following their arrest for violating the state�s trespass law in Fulton County on Wednesday. On Wednesday at 9:00 AM, around 200 students gathered on the Atlanta University campus to break into 11 groups and go to specific eating facilities in the city, marking the beginning of the sit-ins. After being arrested for disturbing the peace, the students remained calm even as they were held in the modern Jefferson Street prison. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A transcripted speech by James Forman. The keynote address was given on November 23rd, 1967, at the Western Regional Black Youth Conference in Los Angeles, California. At the beginning of the speech, Forman gives acknowledgments to the leaders and activists of SNCC for their courageous acts and dynamic leadership. Forman also presents a poem called "Liberation Will Come From A Black Thing." After his poetry, he elaborates on his keynote speech, "Liberation Will Come From A Black Thing."  Forman discusses the historical examples of liberation movements from Black people, relates them to the mission of SNCC, and how Bblack power is a revolutionary tool. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a booklet report of SNCC's Mississippi Summer Project and the project's summary accounts of incidents. The Mississippi Summer project accounts for protests for civil rights across the United States with their outcomes for each location. The document contains statements of incidents from June 16th to August 26th. 27 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism