"If We Must Die" is a poem written by Claude McKay, a prominent Jamaican-American writer and poet associated with the Harlem Renaissance. The poem was first published in 1919 and later became a rallying cry for African Americans during the civil rights movement.

The poem expresses a defiant and courageous attitude in the face of oppression and violence. It was written in response to the brutal race riots and lynchings that were prevalent at the time. The speaker in the poem urges his fellow oppressed individuals to stand up and fight back against their oppressors, even if it means facing death.

The powerful and emotive language used in "If We Must Die" resonated with many African Americans who were fighting for their rights and equality. The poem is often interpreted as a call to resistance and dignity in the face of adversity.

Overall, "If We Must Die" has been celebrated for its enduring message of courage, resistance, and solidarity in the face of injustice, making it an important piece of literature in Black history.