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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This is a schedule of the "Youth Leadership Conference On Nonviolent Resistance" held at Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina. The program shows a three-day conference. Student leaders and activists converged at Shaw University to discuss and organize committees for the student sit-in movement, topics of protesting and picketing, the philosophy of nonviolence, and the legal implications of sit-in protest with the risk of jail. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Youth Leadership Conference on Nonviolent Resistance, April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Creator
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Description
This is a schedule of the "Youth Leadership Conference On Nonviolent Resistance" held at Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina. The program shows a three-day conference. Student leaders and activists converged at Shaw University to discuss and organize committees for the student sit-in movement, topics of protesting and picketing, the philosophy of nonviolence, and the legal implications of sit-in protest with the risk of jail. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom" Flyer calling shoppers to "stay out of the downtown stores" as merchants have refused Black service. Flyer from COAHR and the Student Adult Liaison Committee. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom", circa 1961
Date Created
1960/1962
Description
"Your Turn to Act For Freedom" Flyer calling shoppers to "stay out of the downtown stores" as merchants have refused Black service. Flyer from COAHR and the Student Adult Liaison Committee. 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
A biographical list narrating prominent civil rights and student leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. Julian Bond, Donald Lee Hollowell, Reverend Otis Moss Jr., and Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson were featured names. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Workshop Biographical Sketches, 1990
Date Created
1990
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A biographical list narrating prominent civil rights and student leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. Julian Bond, Donald Lee Hollowell, Reverend Otis Moss Jr., and Dr. Mary Ann Smith Wilson were featured names. 9 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Students' Grievances and Demands: A Call for Quality Education at William Bryant High School" is a compelling document expressing the concerns of students regarding numerous health hazards and inadequacies within the school. The students highlight issues such as inadequate heating, broken windows, and a lack of essential resources like textbooks, teachers, and proper facilities. They call upon the County, State, and community to take action and support their fight for an education that ensures a fair chance for every student, with proper access to quality education and a safe learning environment. The document emphasizes the ongoing struggle of the students and seeks community involvement to achieve positive change. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
William Bryant High School Grievances, circa 1965
Date Created
1963/1967
Creator
Students of William Bryant High School
Description
"Students' Grievances and Demands: A Call for Quality Education at William Bryant High School" is a compelling document expressing the concerns of students regarding numerous health hazards and inadequacies within the school. The students highlight issues such as inadequate heating, broken windows, and a lack of essential resources like textbooks, teachers, and proper facilities. They call upon the County, State, and community to take action and support their fight for an education that ensures a fair chance for every student, with proper access to quality education and a safe learning environment. The document emphasizes the ongoing struggle of the students and seeks community involvement to achieve positive change. 2 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
M. Carl Holman discusses the civil service system's unfair treatment of qualified Black Americans and emphasizes the importance of preparation and education for job opportunities. The author highlights the high number of Black college students failing civil service exams, which he believes results from apathy among students, teachers, and administrators. The author urges everyone to recognize the problem and take action. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Who Else Flunked The Gov't Exams?", by M. Carl Holman, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1962
Author
Holman, Moses C., 1919-1988
Description
M. Carl Holman discusses the civil service system's unfair treatment of qualified Black Americans and emphasizes the importance of preparation and education for job opportunities. The author highlights the high number of Black college students failing civil service exams, which he believes results from apathy among students, teachers, and administrators. The author urges everyone to recognize the problem and take action. 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
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder to Dignity and Brotherhood in '61" flyer from COAHR and the Student Liaison Committee noting boycotting and the non violent desegregation movement. A call to action to "refuse to pay to be segregated" and to share the cause is included. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder", 1961
Date Created
1961
Description
"We Are Climbing Freedom's Ladder to Dignity and Brotherhood in '61" flyer from COAHR and the Student Liaison Committee noting boycotting and the non violent desegregation movement. A call to action to "refuse to pay to be segregated" and to share the cause is included. 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 30th Anniversary Event. Clark Atlanta sponsored a workshop symposium in commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement. Sessions included prominent civil rights leaders, such as Rev. Otis Moss, Mayor Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond, and Ann Smith Wilson. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Walk Together Children, Don't You Get Weary", November 10, 1990
Date Created
1990-11-10
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. Clark Atlanta sponsored a workshop symposium in commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement. Sessions included prominent civil rights leaders, such as Rev. Otis Moss, Mayor Maynard Jackson, Julian Bond, and Ann Smith Wilson. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Lectures and lecturing
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
A list of prompted "memory ticklers" or items pertaining to the Atlanta Student Movement. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement Memory Ticklers, 1998
Date Created
1998
Description
A list of prompted "memory ticklers" or items pertaining to the Atlanta Student Movement. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The "Voices Of The Atlanta Student Movement" was a program that collaborated with the Robert H. Brisbane Institute to help preserve the legacy of the Student Movement at the Atlanta University Center. They abided by a three-point approach: the "Archival", the "Educational, and the "Commemorative". This booklet states to an archival special event held on the campus of Spelman College. Featured figures were Ruby Doris Smith. 10 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement Documentation Project", March 28, 1998
Date Created
1998-03-28
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
The "Voices Of The Atlanta Student Movement" was a program that collaborated with the Robert H. Brisbane Institute to help preserve the legacy of the Student Movement at the Atlanta University Center. They abided by a three-point approach: the "Archival", the "Educational, and the "Commemorative". This booklet states to an archival special event held on the campus of Spelman College. Featured figures were Ruby Doris Smith. 10 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, College students, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A biographical list of panelists for the Voices of The Atlanta Student Movement. The list is compelled of five activists: Carolyn Long Banks, Herschelle Challenor, Rober E. Felder, Jesse Hill Jr., and Lonnie C. King Jr. All of them were active in the Atlanta Student Movement during the 1960s and went on to achieve various accomplishments in their careers. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement", Biographical Sketches of Panelists, March 28, 1998
Date Created
1998-03-28
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A biographical list of panelists for the Voices of The Atlanta Student Movement. The list is compelled of five activists: Carolyn Long Banks, Herschelle Challenor, Rober E. Felder, Jesse Hill Jr., and Lonnie C. King Jr. All of them were active in the Atlanta Student Movement during the 1960s and went on to achieve various accomplishments in their careers. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Political participation, African American women, African American men
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement and The Brisbane Institute at Morehouse College are producing a forum series to document the inside story of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. The documentation project began in May 1997 and aims to record first-hand accounts of those who experienced the Movement. The second reunion of the Families and Institutions of the Civil Rights Era will take place on March 28, 1998, at the Camille O.H. Cosby Center on the Spelman College campus, providing an opportunity for participants to share their memories and help chronicle the legacy. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement and the Brisbane Institute, 1998
Date Created
1998
Description
The Voices of the Atlanta Student Movement and The Brisbane Institute at Morehouse College are producing a forum series to document the inside story of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. The documentation project began in May 1997 and aims to record first-hand accounts of those who experienced the Movement. The second reunion of the Families and Institutions of the Civil Rights Era will take place on March 28, 1998, at the Camille O.H. Cosby Center on the Spelman College campus, providing an opportunity for participants to share their memories and help chronicle the legacy. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This brochure promoted the Underground Atlanta located between Peachtree St and Central Ave at Alabama St. Underground Atlanta celebrates the city's heritage and vibrant urban environment, offering a mix of sights, sounds, and unique experiences. The Humbug Square Street Market adds a lively turn-of-the-century charm with street fairs and a wide range of merchandise. Visitors can also enjoy diverse dining options in the Old Alabama Eatery food court. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Underground Atlanta, circa 1990
Date Created
1988/1992
Description
This brochure promoted the Underground Atlanta located between Peachtree St and Central Ave at Alabama St. Underground Atlanta celebrates the city's heritage and vibrant urban environment, offering a mix of sights, sounds, and unique experiences. The Humbug Square Street Market adds a lively turn-of-the-century charm with street fairs and a wide range of merchandise. Visitors can also enjoy diverse dining options in the Old Alabama Eatery food court. 4 pages.
Subject
City planning, Recreation, Special eventss, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Tributes in Sage's student supplement issue by co-editors Deborah Parms and Jennifer Freeman. A personal tribute by Susan D. Mitchell, and the article "A 'Heartbeat' for Liberation: The Reclamation of Ruby Doris Smith" by Jacqueline Jones Royster. 5 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Tributes to Ruby Doris Smith in SAGE, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Tributes in Sage's student supplement issue by co-editors Deborah Parms and Jennifer Freeman. A personal tribute by Susan D. Mitchell, and the article "A 'Heartbeat' for Liberation: The Reclamation of Ruby Doris Smith" by Jacqueline Jones Royster. 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
Tribute presentation notes about Ruby Doris Smith by sister Catherine Robinson, addressed to Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology, and her organization Save Our Children Global Network. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Tribute to Ruby Doris Smith by Catherine Smith Robinson, circa 1989
Date Created
1988/1990
Description
Tribute presentation notes about Ruby Doris Smith by sister Catherine Robinson, addressed to Spelman College Departments of Education and Sociology, and her organization Save Our Children Global Network. 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
This document covers the widespread civil rights demonstrations on Election Day, organized by students across the United States. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the urgent need for adequate civil rights guarantees. Hundreds of sign-carrying students participated in the Chicago demonstration, which reminded both political parties about the importance of racial equality. The protests were initiated in response to a call from the Atlanta conference of student sit-in leaders, sponsored by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Students marched in various cities, including New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh, demanding executive orders to support embattled African Americans, end discrimination in federally supported housing, and ensure the right to vote for all citizens. The demonstrations highlighted that the fight for civil rights transcends party lines, and students emphasized their commitment to the year-round battle against racial discrimination. The text emphasizes the significance of these demonstrations, showcasing the immense support for the civil rights movement among Northern students, and emphasizes the need for continuous and coordinated activism to achieve lasting change. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Student Voice", 1960
Date Created
1960
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document covers the widespread civil rights demonstrations on Election Day, organized by students across the United States. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the urgent need for adequate civil rights guarantees. Hundreds of sign-carrying students participated in the Chicago demonstration, which reminded both political parties about the importance of racial equality. The protests were initiated in response to a call from the Atlanta conference of student sit-in leaders, sponsored by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Students marched in various cities, including New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh, demanding executive orders to support embattled African Americans, end discrimination in federally supported housing, and ensure the right to vote for all citizens. The demonstrations highlighted that the fight for civil rights transcends party lines, and students emphasized their commitment to the year-round battle against racial discrimination. The text emphasizes the significance of these demonstrations, showcasing the immense support for the civil rights movement among Northern students, and emphasizes the need for continuous and coordinated activism to achieve lasting change. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, African American students, Political participation, Suffrage
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
The Southern Regional Council's statement about it's "origins and aims." Statement includes present officers, president, vice presidents, chairman, and executive director. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Southern Regional Council, Its Origins and Aims", circa 1960
Date Created
1958/1962
Author
Bennette, Jr., Fred C.
Creator
Atlanta Student Movement
Description
The Southern Regional Council's statement about it's "origins and aims." Statement includes present officers, president, vice presidents, chairman, and executive director. 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
Statement from the Southern Regional Council on "its origin and aims." The statement also includes present officers' names and titles. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Southern Regional Council, Its Origin and Aims" July 11, 1960
Date Created
1960-07-11
Description
Statement from the Southern Regional Council on "its origin and aims." The statement also includes present officers' names and titles. 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
This document for the student conference at Shaw University, explores the psychology behind non-violent resistance, comparing it to the principles of Jiu-jitsu. It describes how non-violence and goodwill can cause an attacker to lose moral balance and feel insecure. The victim's kindness, generosity, and voluntary suffering pull the attacker forward, further destabilizing them. The document emphasizes that violence exhausts the attacker, and the appeals of a non-violent resister appeal to their more decent and kindly motives, creating a conflict within the attacker's personality. The presence of onlookers further affects the attacker's poise and perception of their conduct. The document asserts that when conducted openly, non-violent resistance can garner public support and react against the attacker. It highlights the advantages of the non-violent resister, including moral initiative, self-control, conservation of energy, and sincerity, which is seen as a powerful force. The refusal to use violence is seen as a sign of respect for the assailant's personality and moral integrity. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Psychology of Non Violence", April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Creator
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Description
This document for the student conference at Shaw University, explores the psychology behind non-violent resistance, comparing it to the principles of Jiu-jitsu. It describes how non-violence and goodwill can cause an attacker to lose moral balance and feel insecure. The victim's kindness, generosity, and voluntary suffering pull the attacker forward, further destabilizing them. The document emphasizes that violence exhausts the attacker, and the appeals of a non-violent resister appeal to their more decent and kindly motives, creating a conflict within the attacker's personality. The presence of onlookers further affects the attacker's poise and perception of their conduct. The document asserts that when conducted openly, non-violent resistance can garner public support and react against the attacker. It highlights the advantages of the non-violent resister, including moral initiative, self-control, conservation of energy, and sincerity, which is seen as a powerful force. The refusal to use violence is seen as a sign of respect for the assailant's personality and moral integrity. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman urging for "open lines of communication" to support a more collaborative decade ahead, including communication between students and teachers throughout the institutions of the Atlanta University Center. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Inquirer Speaks", by M. Carl Holman, December 31, 1961
Date Created
1960-12-31
Author
Holman, Moses C., 1919-1988
Description
An article in the Atlanta Inquirer by M. Carl Holman urging for "open lines of communication" to support a more collaborative decade ahead, including communication between students and teachers throughout the institutions of the Atlanta University Center. 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