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.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Meeting minutes from an Atlanta Student Movement meeting. 3 pages.
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
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
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
Atlanta Inquirer article about four Atlanta student leaders who filed a desegregation suit against the City of Atlanta to gain equal access to Atlanta's parks, tennis courts, and City Auditorium. Four student leaders from Atlanta filed a desegregation lawsuit in U.S. District Court on May 17, seeking to abolish racial segregation in all public facilities owned, operated, maintained, or subsidized by the City of Atlanta, Georgia. The students cited refusals of equal use of Atlanta�s parks, tennis courts, and the Municipal Auditorium as the basis for their lawsuit. They filed the suit without an attorney and paid fees for warrants to be served on the defendants. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Mary Ann Smith's arrest receipt from the city of Atlanta for participation in a sit-in. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
List of participated individuals and businesses contributing food to Atlanta Student Movement activities. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Meeting minutes from an Atlanta Student Movement meeting. 6 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A survey for individuals who participated in recent sit-ins, asking demographic information, along with attitudes and reactions about the demonstrations. 3 pages.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commemoration of the Atlanta Student Movement event at Clark Atlanta University. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commination of the Atlanta Student Movement event. Featured Figure: Ann Borders-Patterson.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commemoration of the Atlanta Student Movement event at Clark Atlanta University. Featured Figure: Lonnie C. King
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commemoration of the Atlanta Student Movement event at Clark Atlanta University at Trevor Arnett Hall. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A letter of commendation from the President of the Georgia Voters League, John Wesley Dobbs, to Dr. Clement, President of Atlanta University, and associates of Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, for their "Appeal for Human Rights" published in local papers. The letter praises the statement as a strong and noble representation of intelligent thinking, wise planning, and noble endeavor to reach the minds and hearts of people in the community and state. The letter expresses pride in their leadership and cooperation and wishes them success in their efforts for liberty and freedom for all American citizens, regardless of race, color, or creed. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A letter from John Wesley Dobbs to Mary Ann Smith, Secretary of the Student Government Association at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. Dobbs expresses satisfaction with the planning and cooperation of the representatives of six institutions of higher learning and believes that their expressions represent the views of one million Negroes living in Georgia. The letter also mentions an enclosed copy of a letter written to Dr. Rufus E. Clement, President of the University Center League. 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
An Official State photo features Ruby D. Smith as she stands with Governor Carl E. Sanders and a group.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commemoration of the Atlanta Student Movement event at Clark Atlanta University. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith and Karen Jefferson.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commemoration of the Atlanta Student Movement event at Clark Atlanta University. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commemoration of the Atlanta Student Movement event at Clark Atlanta University. Featured figure: Frank Smith.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commemoration of the Atlanta Student Movement event at Clark Atlanta University.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Civil Rights activists, leaders, and city officials celebrate the commemoration of the Atlanta Student Movement event at Clark Atlanta University.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People celebrate at an Atlanta Student Movement 40th Anniversary event. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith, Morehouse President Walter E. Massey, Clark Atlanta University President Thomas W. Cole, and Lonnie C. King standing in-front of Trevor Arnett Hall.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Ruby D. Smith and unidentified people kneel and pray with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener Alabama during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People celebrate at an Atlanta Student Movement 40th Anniversary event. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith in front of Martin Luther King International Chapel and Hugh M. Gloster Hall.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People celebrate at an Atlanta Student Movement 40th Anniversary event. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith in front of Martin Luther King International Chapel and Hugh M. Gloster Hall.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People celebrate at an Atlanta Student Movement 40th Anniversary event. Featured figure: Mary Ann Smith in front of Martin Luther King International Chapel and Hugh Hall.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
People form a line and hold hands with protest signs for William Lewis Moore, a CORE member who was shot in Keener, Alabama, during a protest march.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Appreciation from the Atlanta City Council presented to Mary Ann Smith in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Atlanta Student Movement and the "An Appeal for Human Rights". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) poster depicting students in a crowd with arms extended and clapping.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
A group of Atlanta Student movement participants stands while holding Certificates of Merit signed by Mayor Maynard Jackson. Featured Figures: Mary Ann Smith Wilson-front row, Lonnie -second row, Julian Bond-second row, and Clark Atlanta University President Thomas W. Cole-second row.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism
Certificate of Merit from Mayor Maynard Jackson presented to Mary Ann Wilson for contributions to the city of Atlanta. In reference to "Atlanta Student Movement 30th Anniversary Event, November 10, 1990". 1 page.
Mary Ann Smith Wilson, Ruby Doris Smith Robinson Collection on Student Activism