Mr. Christopher J. Perry, Editor Weekly Tribune.
In noting the journalistic efforts of the Afro-American, The Philadelphia Tribune, of which the above subject is editor, falls into the category of the most conspicuous. The Tribune began publication in 1884, with Mr. Perry as proprietor and editor.
Perry's life in the journalistic work had been of some duration before this effort. Born at Baltimore, Md., of free parents, September 11, 1854, he availed himself of the school facilities provided for the colored children of that city, which were very meager. Going to Philadelphia, his present home, quite young, and having the desire to be educationally a free man, he diligently applied himself to books, attending the night schools of that city. He earned his support by work in private houses, and could be often seen examining the volumes in the libraries of these homes.
As early as 1867, he began writing for newspapers, his letters being always newsy and pleasing. He has an excellent style, and prominent men complimented him highly for his letters at this early period in his journalistic life. In November, 1881, he began writing for a Northern daily, and later on became the editor of the Colored Department in The Sunday Mercury. This led to the establishment of The Tribune, in 1884, which he has conducted since with editorial skill and newspaper tact. A writer says: "The Tribune, under his guidance, has become one of the leading Afro-American journals of this country." The same paper says: "It is a staunch advocate of the rights of the negro, and is a credit to Editor Perry's managing skill."
Mr. Perry has an excellent idea of his mission as an Afro-American editor, as will be seen from the following editorial, published when The Tribune began its fourth year. That the reader may rightly estimate
