[4] Afro-American Press.
CHAPTER IV
THE PERIOD OF TRANSITION (1880-1900)
Number of Papers Increases
The last twenty years of the nineteenth century were marked by an increase in the number of papers published. More than 150 papers were being published by Negroes in thirty different states before the dawn of the new century. To trace the history of all of these papers would be useless, if not well nigh impossible, as but few of them were long-lived or permanent. Most of them were started for the achievement of a single end, and having served the temporary need disappeared. There are, however, several papers which were established during this period that demand treatment because of their longevity and present existence.
Philadelphia Tribune
Among this group is The Philadelphia Tribune, founded by Christopher J. Perry in 1884. Perry, who was sole owner of his paper, had had much experience in Journalism before becoming a publisher. His work as editor of the Colored Department of The Sunday Mercury, had established his reputation as a journalist.
Remarkable Success Under Perry
Since its founding, its editor has worked unceasingly towards its development and as a result the success of the paper has been remarkable. Today the paper exists, and in spite of the death of its founder in 1920, is still carried on by his heirs. Today The Philadelphia Tribune occupies an enviable position among Negro papers, and is undoubtedly one of the twelve best Negro papers in the United States. At the time of his death, Christopher Perry was president of The National Negro Press Association.
The Age Oldest Negro Paper in New York City