A new exhibition celebrating The Philadelphia Tribune’s 140th anniversary was unveiled at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on April 14. In attendance for the unveiling were Tribune President and CEO Robert Bogle and members of the Tribune’s team.
The exhibit, located in Terminal D, showcases a timeline of the Tribune's rich history, highlighting significant events from the publication’s past.
“The Philadelphia Tribune has been committed to the Greater Philadelphia community for over 140 years,” shared PHL Collections & Exhibitions Curator Helen Cahng. “We are delighted that our guests will have the opportunity to discover more about it.”
The Tribune is the nation’s oldest continually published African American newspaper, founded by Christopher J. Perry in 1884 as a modest, one-page publication aimed at uplifting African Americans in Philadelphia. Throughout its history, the Tribune’s steadfast coverage of local and national events contributed to the social, political, and economic advancement of African Americans in the region. The Tribune played an instrumental role in officially ending segregation in Philadelphia schools. It organized the Defense Fund Committee in 1926 to support a court challenge to the school board, which resulted in gaining appointment of African Americans to the board and eventually ended segregation in Philadelphia’s public schools. Today, The Tribune is the only five-day weekly publication, covering mainstream news, religion, business, sports, leisure, and arts and entertainment from an African American perspective. 
Prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the formal opening of the exhibit, PHL Director of Guest Experience Leah Douglas presented Bogle with a citation from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. The citation states, “The City of Philadelphia officially recognizes the Philadelphia Tribune with this tribute and commends them for upholding their founding mission as a publication dedicated to improving the everyday life of African Americans and for all their efforts to benefit our many residents.”
Reflecting on the honor, Bogle said, “I'm extremely excited and overwhelmed that the airport would have this exhibit, the reflection of 140 years in the service that we are providing to the city and to this nation. This recognition at the airport is significant for us. We are proud to be serving Philadelphia and reflecting the African American experience.”
The exhibition is free for ticketed passengers and guests with a Wingmate Pass. For more information on the exhibition, click here.
