A LOOK BACK: KAPPA HISTORY
operations, production, and distri- bution. Under his leadership in the 1940s, the circulation rose to over 100,000. He held this role until he died in 1970. Over this period, Rhodes used the paper as a stabilizing voice during the difficult years of the Great Depression and to advance mid- dle-class ideals that motivated and uplifted Black Americans. Rhodes expanded the paper’s content by intro- ducing additional features to attract a broader readership. Through his columns, he empha- sized that Black Americans must continue the struggle for equal justice as citizens of the United States. During his tenure, the Tribune was referred to as “a bastion of economic and political conservatism and was persistent in advocacy for the advancement of Afri- can Americans.” Rhodes integrated his news staff, reasoning, “If I’m going to discriminate, how can I protest discrimination?” His assignment as the Tribune ’s editor in 1921 was expanded with other roles he took on, including treasurer and general manager. His commitment to this industry was further exempli- fied by his involvement as treasurer of the National Negro Press Association (1924) and president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (1962-1965). LEGAL PROFESSION While working as editor of the Phil- adelphia Tribune , Rhodes began studying at the University of Penn- sylvania Law School to become an attorney. He completed his education at Temple University Law School,
“ UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP IN THE 1940S, THE CIRCULATION ROSE TO OVER 100,000. HE HELD THIS ROLE UNTIL HE DIED IN 1970.” Top: E. Washington Rhodes becomes law partner, The Philadelphia Tribune , May 1, 1926. Bottom: Rhodes appointed Assistant U.S. District Attorney, The Philadelphia Tribune , May 1, 1926.
Philadelphia Tribune ’s founder, Christopher Perry, as the newspa- per’s editor upon Perry’s passing, where he oversaw the weekly publica- tion’s content. He worked alongside Perry’s daughter, the Tribune ’s
managing editor, Bertha, whom he married in 1923. Rhodes served as editor until 1941, consequently becoming the period- ical’s editor and publisher, during which he oversaw the newspaper’s
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