"If We Must Die" is a poem written by Jamaican-American poet and activist Claude McKay in 1919. The poem is a powerful and defiant call to arms in the face of racial violence and oppression. It was written in the aftermath of the 1919 Red Summer, a period of heightened racial tensions and widespread violence against Black communities in the United States.

The poem is often seen as a rallying cry for Black resistance and self-defense in the face of white supremacist violence. In it, McKay urges his fellow Black Americans to fight back against their oppressors, even if they must die in the struggle. The poem acknowledges the grim reality of violence and persecution faced by Black people, but also emphasizes the importance of courage and dignity in the face of adversity.

"If We Must Die" has been widely studied and celebrated for its powerful imagery and message of resilience and defiance. It remains a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Black communities throughout history, and the importance of resistance and solidarity in the face of injustice.