"If We Must Die" is a poem written by Jamaican-born, Harlem-based poet Claude McKay. It was written in 1919 in response to the racial violence and riots that were taking place at the time in the United States. The poem is a powerful call for resistance and courage in the face of oppression and violence, and has been widely recognized as a significant literary work in the history of Black resistance and activism.

The poem's central message is one of defiance and dignity in the face of adversity. It urges Black people to fight back against their oppressors, even if it means facing death. The poem's title and repeated refrain, "If we must die, let it not be like hogs / Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot," convey a sense of dignity and heroism in the face of danger.

"If We Must Die" became a rallying cry for Black resistance movements during the Civil Rights era and continues to be an important work in the Black literary canon. Claude McKay's powerful words have inspired generations of activists and continue to resonate with those fighting for justice and equality today.