"If We Must Die" is a famous poem written by Jamaican-American poet and Civil Rights activist Claude McKay in 1919. The poem was initially published in The Liberator, a socialist magazine.

The poem reflects the intense racial violence and discrimination faced by African Americans during the early 20th century. It calls for resistance and courage in the face of oppression, urging Black people to stand up and fight back against their oppressors, even if they must die in the process.

The poem became a rallying cry for African Americans and other marginalized communities fighting against racism and injustice. It is considered a powerful and enduring piece of literature that captures the spirit of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity.