Christopher J. Perry

Early life Christopher James Perry was born on September 11, 1854, in Baltimore, Maryland, to parents that were free people of color. When he was young, he moved to Philadelphia, in order to continue his education. In 1884, he lost his job due to the newspaper's bankruptcy; so Perry established his own newspaper on November 27, 1884, The Tribune (later known as The Philadelphia Tribune).

For 10 years, he was a member of the Philadelphia City Council from the seventh ward. He was a member of the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian.

Death and legacy Perry worked on the Tribune until his death. Perry died of cancer on May 15, 1921, at his home in Philadelphia. He was interred at Eden Cemetery (sometimes known as Marion Cemetery).

Ten years after his death by 1930, The Tribune had a circulation of over 20,000, and became a vehicle of community change.