Claude McKay was a Jamaican-American writer and poet, born on September 15, 1889. He is best known for his role in the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American art and literature. McKay's works often explored themes of race, identity, and social justice, making significant contributions to the understanding of the African American experience. One of his most famous works is the poem "If We Must Die," which calls for dignity in the face of oppression. McKay's writing style combined elements of modernism and traditional forms, reflecting his diverse influences and experiences. He passed away on May 22, 1948, leaving a lasting legacy in American literature.