The Harlem Intelligentsia Cassidy Martin Period 3

Claude McKay Born in Jamaica in 1890. Sophisticated African-American writer of the early 20th century. Author of poetry, short stories, and novels. Travelled through Russia, France, Spain, and North Africa. Was a radical and part of a communist group.

Claude McKay (cont.) Considered to be a founding member of the cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. Through his works, he “sought to examine black identity in America,” (2) His literary works describing the black community during the Harlem Renaissance helped him gain popularity.

3 T’s Theme: Praising and giving information on the elites of the Harlem Renaissance. Tone: Proud to be apart of the black community during the Harlem Renaissance. Technique: Informative excerpt; gives lots of information about different writers/poets of the time. (Du Bois, Walter White, James Weldon Johnson)

Contribution of McKay during the Harlem Renaissance Examined black identity in America. Contributed to the community culturally and intellectually with his poetry and novels. Emphasis on “political radicalism” as a response to the struggle of black Americans. Embraced his West Indian culture instead of trying to fit into mainstream society.