It was widely considered one of the most prominent African-American newspapers of its time.

The newspaper became the [New York] Freeman, from November 22, 1884 to October 8, 1887, published six times weekly.

On October 15, 1887, the newspaper officially became the weekly New York Age.

Fred R. Moore bought the paper in 1907 from Fortune brothers and Peterson.

[4][5] Peterson continued to work at the paper after the sale, as an advisor; and was made the American consul to Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, from 1904 to 1906.