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Mon, 09.11.1854

Christopher Perry, Journalist born

Christopher Perry

*Christopher Perry was born on this date in 1854.  He was a Black journalist. 

Christopher James Perry was born to free people of color from Baltimore, Maryland. Perry attended school in Baltimore, gaining a positive reputation in his local community through his public speeches.  After he graduated from high school in 1873, the ambitious Perry migrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, feeling there were more opportunities in the northern city, given the waning days of Reconstruction in the South.  

Once in Philadelphia, Perry began writing for local newspapers such as the Northern Daily and the Sunday Mercury. He wrote a column titled "Flashes and Sparks" for the Mercury, which provided information to the growing Black community in Philadelphia. Other migrants from the South were also settling there.  Through his regular columns, Perry gained attention from the educated members of the Black community in Philadelphia.  However, in 1884, the Sunday Mercury went bankrupt, and Perry was unemployed. 

Later that year, on November 27, 1884, Perry founded the Philadelphia Tribune.  He ran the operation as the owner, reporter, editor, copier, and advertiser.  Perry worked at the Tribune until he died in 1921. Throughout his career with the Tribune, Perry promoted the advancement of African Americans in society and covered issues affecting their daily lives. 

to be a Journalist or Reporter

New Poem Each Day

Poetry Corner

Power Equality And we're out to get it I know some of you ain't wit'it This party started right in '66 With a pro-word black radical mix Then at the hour of twelve Some force... PARTY FOR YOUR RIGHT TO FIGHT by Public Enemy (Ridenhour/Shocklee/Sadler).
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