McKay was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States in 1912. He studied at Tuskegee Institute and later moved to New York City, where he became involved in the artistic and intellectual community of the Harlem Renaissance. He published his first book of poetry, "Songs of Jamaica," in 1912. His second book, "Harlem Shadows," was published in 1922 and received critical acclaim.
One of McKay's most famous poems is "If We Must Die" (1919), which became an anthem for the civil rights movement. The poem expresses a defiant and unapologetic stance in the face of racial oppression and violence, urging black people to resist and fight for their freedom.
McKay also wrote several novels, including "Home to Harlem" (1928) and "Banjo" (1929), which explored the lives of African Americans in the United States and their struggles against discrimination and poverty. His writing often explored the tensions between black cultural identity, assimilation, and the desire for liberation.
In addition to his literary contributions, McKay was also an active political activist and communist. He traveled to the Soviet Union in the 1920s and became involved in international left-wing politics. His writing often reflected his political views and advocated for social justice and equality.
McKay's work played an important role in shaping the Harlem Renaissance and in giving voice to the experiences and struggles of African Americans in the United States. His contribution to literature and his commitment to social justice continue to be celebrated and studied today.