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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  3. Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi, to her mother. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Mother From Ruby D. Smith, June 21, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-21
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
Letter from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi, to her mother. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, Race discrimination, African American women, African American student movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Articles from Jet magazine about the American Labor Federation, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Reverend Fauntroy all about promoting equal rights. The article's first page talks about the American Labor Federation and its endorsement of President Lyndon B. Johnson about residential integration. The Second page is titled "SNCC, Dick Gregory Snub White," about SNCC and the racial tensions during the Vietnam War. The rest of the article discusses the negotiations and talks among CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SNCC, and the White House about racial justice and inequality. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Articles in JET magazine, June 1966
Date Created
1966-06
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Commitee
Description
Articles from Jet magazine about the American Labor Federation, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and Reverend Fauntroy all about promoting equal rights. The article's first page talks about the American Labor Federation and its endorsement of President Lyndon B. Johnson about residential integration. The Second page is titled "SNCC, Dick Gregory Snub White," about SNCC and the racial tensions during the Vietnam War. The rest of the article discusses the negotiations and talks among CORE (Congress of Racial Equality), SNCC, and the White House about racial justice and inequality. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, Presidents, Political participation, African American newspapers
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Resolution from the State of Georgia House of Representatives on the designation of National Negro History Week. The resolution states that February 12-18 was assigned to be National Negro History Week and was an effort to promote the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Negro History Week Resolution, January 20, 1967
Date Created
1967-01-20
Description
Resolution from the State of Georgia House of Representatives on the designation of National Negro History Week. The resolution states that February 12-18 was assigned to be National Negro History Week and was an effort to promote the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans in the United States. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African Americans--Education, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A get-well letter from a New York Harriet Tubman School student wishing Ruby D. Smith Robinson recovery from her illness. Attached is a letter from teacher Marjorie Klatt introducing the student. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From School Teacher and Student, April 13, 1967
Date Created
1967-04-13
Description
A get-well letter from a New York Harriet Tubman School student wishing Ruby D. Smith Robinson recovery from her illness. Attached is a letter from teacher Marjorie Klatt introducing the student. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American children
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A letter from Peggy Hendrix of the House of Representatives describes an enclosed check for session work to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From Peggy Hendrix, February 17, 1966
Date Created
1966-02-17
Author
Hendrix, Peggy
Description
A letter from Peggy Hendrix of the House of Representatives describes an enclosed check for session work to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A get-well letter from Paula McCoy to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson describing a recent stamp program and McCoy offering to help Robinson during her illness. 4 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Ruby D. Smith Robinson From Paula McCoy, April 27, 1966
Date Created
1966-04-27
Author
McCoy, Paula
Description
A get-well letter from Paula McCoy to Ruby Doris Smith Robinson describing a recent stamp program and McCoy offering to help Robinson during her illness. 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
News article from the Atlanta Inquirer about Ruby D. Smith and other student protestors serving jail time in South Carolina. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Rock Hill Target of Southwide Student Protest", February 11, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Description
News article from the Atlanta Inquirer about Ruby D. Smith and other student protestors serving jail time in South Carolina. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American student movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sympathy telegrams sent to the Robinson family on the death of Ruby D. Smith Robinson. 13 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sympathy Telegrams, October 1967
Date Created
1967-10
Description
Sympathy telegrams sent to the Robinson family on the death of Ruby D. Smith Robinson. 13 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith dedication by Carolyn Long Banks. Banks describes Smith as the fundamental person in the Atlanta Movement, and she kept the movement together through her organized leadership. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Tribute by Carolyn Long Banks, circa 1980
Date Created
1978/1982
Author
Banks, Carolyn Long
Description
Ruby D. Smith dedication by Carolyn Long Banks. Banks describes Smith as the fundamental person in the Atlanta Movement, and she kept the movement together through her organized leadership. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This is a biography of Ruby D. Smith Robinson from a Spelman publication. Ruby Doris Smith Robinson is recognized as an unsung heroine of Spelman College and the civil rights movement. At seventeen, she left college to actively participate in sit-ins and other demonstrations actively, becoming an integral part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Robinson played a crucial role in the movement's early success and later contributed to the fight against sexism within the movement by organizing a group of women to address gender discrimination. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith Robinson Biography, circa 1985
Date Created
1983/1987
Description
This is a biography of Ruby D. Smith Robinson from a Spelman publication. Ruby Doris Smith Robinson is recognized as an unsung heroine of Spelman College and the civil rights movement. At seventeen, she left college to actively participate in sit-ins and other demonstrations actively, becoming an integral part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Robinson played a crucial role in the movement's early success and later contributed to the fight against sexism within the movement by organizing a group of women to address gender discrimination. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An excerpt of the Spelman College's centennial year celebration keynote speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in dedication to Ruby D. Smith Robinson. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, in a keynote speech at Spelman's Centennial Dinner in 1981, reflects on her connection to the college and its impact on her life. She discusses the historical struggles and sacrifices early Spelman students faced and the resilience and determination they instilled in her. She also highlights the influential role of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a fellow Spelman alumna, in the civil rights movement and her unwavering commitment to the cause. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"For Ruby Doris, Hopefully", Speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, April 1981
Date Created
1981-04
Author
Hunter-Gault, Charlayne
Description
An excerpt of the Spelman College's centennial year celebration keynote speech by Charlayne Hunter-Gault in dedication to Ruby D. Smith Robinson. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, in a keynote speech at Spelman's Centennial Dinner in 1981, reflects on her connection to the college and its impact on her life. She discusses the historical struggles and sacrifices early Spelman students faced and the resilience and determination they instilled in her. She also highlights the influential role of Ruby Doris Smith Robinson, a fellow Spelman alumna, in the civil rights movement and her unwavering commitment to the cause. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, African American universities and colleges, College publications, College student newspapers and periodicals
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Freedom Riders, June 2, 1961
Date Created
1961-02-11
Description
Image of Ruby D. Smith with two others arrested in Jackson, Mississippi for participating in a Freedom Ride. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Groups and organizations, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson at West Mitchell C. M. E. Church. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson, October 14, 1967
Date Created
1967-10-14
Description
Funeral Program for Ruby D. Smith Robinson at West Mitchell C. M. E. Church. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American women, Funeral rites and ceremonies
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Emerge magazine's article on Ruby D. Smith Robinson, Freedom Summer, and sexual politics in Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The biography article talks about Smith's involvement with the civil rights movement and how Ruby Doris transformed from a middle-class college student to a dedicated activist and administrator. Meanwhile, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) debated whether to participate in Freedom Summer, a joint effort with other civil rights groups to register Black voters in Mississippi, despite concerns about the impact on SNCC's character and image. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Liberated Woman", August 1988
Date Created
1988-08
Description
Emerge magazine's article on Ruby D. Smith Robinson, Freedom Summer, and sexual politics in Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The biography article talks about Smith's involvement with the civil rights movement and how Ruby Doris transformed from a middle-class college student to a dedicated activist and administrator. Meanwhile, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) debated whether to participate in Freedom Summer, a joint effort with other civil rights groups to register Black voters in Mississippi, despite concerns about the impact on SNCC's character and image. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Report on the survey of Atlanta stores' seating capacity, noting a recommendation of one-third allotment for Black customers. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on Appeal of Human Rights Research Committee Report, October 5, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-04
Creator
Committee on Appeal of Human Rights
Description
Report on the survey of Atlanta stores' seating capacity, noting a recommendation of one-third allotment for Black customers. 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
To her mother, the letter is from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Letter to Mother From Ruby D. Smith, June 10, 1961
Date Created
1961-06-10
Author
Smith, Ruby Doris
Description
To her mother, the letter is from Ruby Doris Smith in Hinds County Jail, Jackson, Mississippi. Smith was in jail for taking part in the Freedom Rides. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American women, Protest movements
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Meeting minutes from an Atlanta Student Movement meeting. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Student Movement Meeting Minutes, October 13, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-13
Creator
Atlanta Student Movement
Description
Meeting minutes from an Atlanta Student Movement meeting. 3 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Sign in sheet from an Atlanta Student movement meeting. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Atlanta Student Movement Attendance List, November 2, 1960
Date Created
1960-11-02
Creator
Atlanta Student Movement
Description
Sign in sheet from an Atlanta Student movement meeting. 1 page.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American universities and colleges
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A complete account of the Atlanta demonstration against racial injustice. A group of Southern Christian ministers met in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 25 to support the city's Black community in their protests against racial injustice. This was the culmination of four days of planning and discussion involving ministers from across the South. The ministers aimed to make a "public witness" to Christ's will amid racial tensions and crises and to catch the public eye with their insistence that hate and injustice have no place in a society claiming love, reconciliation, and unity through Christ. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The Atlanta Protest" by John Stapleton, 1960
Date Created
1960
Author
Stapleton, John
Description
A complete account of the Atlanta demonstration against racial injustice. A group of Southern Christian ministers met in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 25 to support the city's Black community in their protests against racial injustice. This was the culmination of four days of planning and discussion involving ministers from across the South. The ministers aimed to make a "public witness" to Christ's will amid racial tensions and crises and to catch the public eye with their insistence that hate and injustice have no place in a society claiming love, reconciliation, and unity through Christ. 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
COAHR civil action case against the City of Atlanta. This is a summary of a legal case in which the plaintiffs seek to abolish racial segregation and discrimination in every public facility operated by the City of Atlanta, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and municipal buildings. The plaintiffs represent an estimated 230,000 citizens of Atlanta who are members of the Negro race. The defendants include the City of Atlanta, the Director of Recreation for the City, the General Manager of the Department of Parks, and a judge of the Municipal Court. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prohibit racial discrimination and segregation under color of law. 8 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights Civil Action Case, May 16, 1961
Date Created
1961-05-16
Description
COAHR civil action case against the City of Atlanta. This is a summary of a legal case in which the plaintiffs seek to abolish racial segregation and discrimination in every public facility operated by the City of Atlanta, including parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, and municipal buildings. The plaintiffs represent an estimated 230,000 citizens of Atlanta who are members of the Negro race. The defendants include the City of Atlanta, the Director of Recreation for the City, the General Manager of the Department of Parks, and a judge of the Municipal Court. The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prohibit racial discrimination and segregation under color of law. 8 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Georgia--Atlanta, African Americans--Politics and government, African Americans--Segregation
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism