"If We Must Die" is a powerful poem written by Jamaican-American poet and journalist Claude McKay in 1919. The poem was a response to the intense racial violence and discrimination faced by African Americans during the early 20th century.

McKay's poem calls for resistance and courage in the face of oppression, urging Black people to fight for their dignity and rights even if it means facing death. The poem reflects the spirit of defiance and resilience that characterized the struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States.

"If We Must Die" has been regarded as a seminal work in Black literature and has been celebrated for its empowering message of resistance and self-determination. It continues to be studied and cited as a powerful expression of Black pride and solidarity in the face of adversity.