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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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
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith at Spelman College, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1963
Description
A Spelman portrait photograph of Ruby D. Smith.
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
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
"Jail, No Bail Group In Jail, Cheerful, Confident", October 24, 1960
Date Created
1960-10-24
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, Race discrimination, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. The magazine narrates about various Morehouse alumnus, current student's accomplishments, social events , and news about the institution. As pertaining to the Atlanta University Center Student Movement, this passage describes the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and particularly the role that college students played in it. The students were inspired by the example of other activists, and particularly by the sit-ins that took place at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960. The movement quickly spread across the South, and many college students became heavily involved, to the point of neglecting their studies. Morehouse College played a particularly important role in the movement, producing many of its leaders. Despite the danger and opposition they faced, these young people were driven by a deep commitment to justice and equality. Highlighted figures: Oprah Winfrey, Andrew Young, Leroy Keith, and Martin Luther King Jr. 16 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Morehouse Magazine Alumnus, 1990
Date Created
1990
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
COAHR 30th Anniversary Event. The magazine narrates about various Morehouse alumnus, current student's accomplishments, social events , and news about the institution. As pertaining to the Atlanta University Center Student Movement, this passage describes the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and particularly the role that college students played in it. The students were inspired by the example of other activists, and particularly by the sit-ins that took place at a Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1960. The movement quickly spread across the South, and many college students became heavily involved, to the point of neglecting their studies. Morehouse College played a particularly important role in the movement, producing many of its leaders. Despite the danger and opposition they faced, these young people were driven by a deep commitment to justice and equality. Highlighted figures: Oprah Winfrey, Andrew Young, Leroy Keith, and Martin Luther King Jr. 16 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American pioneers, African American student movements, African American students, African Americans--Segregation, College students, College publications
Collection
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
COAHR Appeal for Human Rights Draft, circa 1960
Date Created
1959/1961
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
A draft copy of "An Appeal for Human Rights". 4 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements, African American students
Collection
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
Born to Rebel, Dr Benjamin Elijah Mays Autobiography, circa 1970
Date Created
1969/1972
Creator
Committee on the Appeal for Human Rights
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, Protest movements, African American students
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
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
This document contains the minutes and reports document from the first meeting of the Temporary Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from May 13-14, 1960, with Marion S. Berry, Jr. as the chairman and James Thomas as the secretary. The document offers the attendance and agenda, the statement of purpose for SNCC, committee reports, and drafted press releases. Key figures mentioned: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Lonnie C. King, Ella Baker, and Marion S. Barry. 11 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Report, First Meeting Held Atlanta University, May 1960
Date Created
1960-05
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document contains the minutes and reports document from the first meeting of the Temporary Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) from May 13-14, 1960, with Marion S. Berry, Jr. as the chairman and James Thomas as the secretary. The document offers the attendance and agenda, the statement of purpose for SNCC, committee reports, and drafted press releases. Key figures mentioned: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Lonnie C. King, Ella Baker, and Marion S. Barry. 11 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges, African American mayors
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An identification card for the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) fall conference. The conference was held from October 14th to 16th, 1960. The card asks for an individual's name, school affiliation, organization, home address, and workshop number. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Identification Card, October 1960
Date Created
1960-10
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
An identification card for the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) fall conference. The conference was held from October 14th to 16th, 1960. The card asks for an individual's name, school affiliation, organization, home address, and workshop number. 1 page.
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
This contact directory document is alphabetically organized by state (Alabama to Washington, D.C). The directory includes individual names, addresses, school year classifications, and organization, if applicable. Key figures mentioned: Lonnie C. King, John Lewis, Ella J. Baker, and Otis Moss, Jr. 17 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Conference Directory, October 1960
Date Created
1960-10
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This contact directory document is alphabetically organized by state (Alabama to Washington, D.C). The directory includes individual names, addresses, school year classifications, and organization, if applicable. Key figures mentioned: Lonnie C. King, John Lewis, Ella J. Baker, and Otis Moss, Jr. 17 pages.
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
This is a submitted statement from The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Immigration of the National Republican Convention. The written statement discusses the grievances against racial segregation and unequal treatment of African Americans. The statement petitioned the Republican party for legislative cooperation with SNCC and a civil rights political platform. Further, the statement lists Black voters' needs: education, employment, voting, and legal protection. A key figure mentioned is Marion S. Barry. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Statement Submitted to the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Immigration of the National Republican Convention,
Date Created
1960-07-20
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This is a submitted statement from The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Immigration of the National Republican Convention. The written statement discusses the grievances against racial segregation and unequal treatment of African Americans. The statement petitioned the Republican party for legislative cooperation with SNCC and a civil rights political platform. Further, the statement lists Black voters' needs: education, employment, voting, and legal protection. A key figure mentioned is Marion S. Barry. 12 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges, African American mayors, African Americans--Politics and government
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document is the rules and regulations for the general conference of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee from October 14th-16th in Atlanta, Georgia. The document lists out the quorums, voting privileges, speaking privileges, duties of officers during meeting sessions, parliamentary procedures, the general provisions for committees, coordination, a list of represented states, finances, election day logistics, and communication. 9 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Rules for the General Conference of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee", October 1960
Date Created
1960-10
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document is the rules and regulations for the general conference of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee from October 14th-16th in Atlanta, Georgia. The document lists out the quorums, voting privileges, speaking privileges, duties of officers during meeting sessions, parliamentary procedures, the general provisions for committees, coordination, a list of represented states, finances, election day logistics, and communication. 9 pages.
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
This document presents six fundamental aspects of nonviolence as outlined by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It emphasizes that nonviolent resistance is not for cowards and requires active spiritual engagement. Nonviolence seeks to win the friendship and understanding of opponents rather than defeat or humiliate them. The focus is on combating forces of evil, not individuals perpetrating evil. Nonviolent resisters are willing to accept suffering without retaliation and believe in the redemptive power of unearned suffering. Internal violence of the spirit, such as hate, is rejected in favor of love as the guiding principle. Nonviolent resistance is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice, instilling faith in a future of cosmic companionship and universal wholeness. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"Six Basic Aspects of Non Violence", April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Creator
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Description
This document presents six fundamental aspects of nonviolence as outlined by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It emphasizes that nonviolent resistance is not for cowards and requires active spiritual engagement. Nonviolence seeks to win the friendship and understanding of opponents rather than defeat or humiliate them. The focus is on combating forces of evil, not individuals perpetrating evil. Nonviolent resisters are willing to accept suffering without retaliation and believe in the redemptive power of unearned suffering. Internal violence of the spirit, such as hate, is rejected in favor of love as the guiding principle. Nonviolent resistance is based on the conviction that the universe is on the side of justice, instilling faith in a future of cosmic companionship and universal wholeness. 2 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
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
"Enduring Injury for the Cause", April 1960
Date Created
1960-04
Creator
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American universities and colleges, African American mayors
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
This document is a study and report published by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) about population statistics of Mississippi between "nonwhite" people and white people, with the term "nonwhite people" used interchangeably with "Negroes" due to the significant overlap in the population. It acknowledges that the data about nonwhites can be considered representative of the conditions faced explicitly by Negroes, as 99.6 percent of the total nonwhite population and 99.7 percent of nonwhite farm operators in Mississippi were Negroes in 1960. The report provides general information rather than specific details. 18 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
"The General Condition of the Mississippi Negro", October 1963
Date Created
1963-10
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document is a study and report published by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) about population statistics of Mississippi between "nonwhite" people and white people, with the term "nonwhite people" used interchangeably with "Negroes" due to the significant overlap in the population. It acknowledges that the data about nonwhites can be considered representative of the conditions faced explicitly by Negroes, as 99.6 percent of the total nonwhite population and 99.7 percent of nonwhite farm operators in Mississippi were Negroes in 1960. The report provides general information rather than specific details. 18 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, Demographic surveys
Collection
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
"Church Bombings, The American Way of Racism", March 15, 1967
Date Created
1961-03-15
Author
Carmichael, Stokely
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
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.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, African American pioneers, African American churches
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document accounts for the legal case MacLaurin vs. The State of Mississippi, involving Charles MacLaurin, a field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). MacLaurin was arrested and charged with "Disturbing the Peace" and "Resisting Arrest" in Greenville, Mississippi, after speaking to a group of Black individuals about the unjust conviction of Black defendants for playing in a segregated public park. MacLaurin's trial resulted in guilty verdicts and subsequent convictions, leading to a sentence of 180 days in prison and a $100 fine. Appeals were made, but they were denied. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied, with three justices refusing to review the case. The document argues that the legal proceedings were biased and part of a conspiracy to deny justice and violate the civil and human rights of Black individuals who fight for equality. 2 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Statement on MacLaurin vs. State of Mississippi, circa 1967
Date Created
1965/1969
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document accounts for the legal case MacLaurin vs. The State of Mississippi, involving Charles MacLaurin, a field secretary for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). MacLaurin was arrested and charged with "Disturbing the Peace" and "Resisting Arrest" in Greenville, Mississippi, after speaking to a group of Black individuals about the unjust conviction of Black defendants for playing in a segregated public park. MacLaurin's trial resulted in guilty verdicts and subsequent convictions, leading to a sentence of 180 days in prison and a $100 fine. Appeals were made, but they were denied. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was denied, with three justices refusing to review the case. The document argues that the legal proceedings were biased and part of a conspiracy to deny justice and violate the civil and human rights of Black individuals who fight for equality. 2 pages.
Subject
African Americans--Civil rights, African American student movements, Groups and organizations, African American students, Dispute Resolution (Law)
Collection
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
This document has two items: a correspondence letter from Edward B. King to SNCC about the minutes from the Coordinating Committee meeting on November 25th-27th, 1960, and the minutes from the meeting. In the letter, King urges other coordinating committee members to review the minutes and follow the recommendations passed by delegates from the SNCC general conference. He also encourages recipients of the letter to confirm if they can attend future meetings and events. The record minutes include a review of the October general conference, communication, finances, area reports, office reports, and the future role of the coordinating committee. Some key figures mentioned are Ella Baker and Martin Luther King, Jr. 12 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
SNCC Steering Committee Meeting Minutes, December 12, 1960
Date Created
1960-12-12
Creator
Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
Description
This document has two items: a correspondence letter from Edward B. King to SNCC about the minutes from the Coordinating Committee meeting on November 25th-27th, 1960, and the minutes from the meeting. In the letter, King urges other coordinating committee members to review the minutes and follow the recommendations passed by delegates from the SNCC general conference. He also encourages recipients of the letter to confirm if they can attend future meetings and events. The record minutes include a review of the October general conference, communication, finances, area reports, office reports, and the future role of the coordinating committee. Some key figures mentioned are Ella Baker and Martin Luther King, Jr. 12 pages.
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