“I grew up with my mom Hyacinth Williams-Moncrieffe, published poet and Creative, speaking of two poets. Louise Bennett-Coverly aka Miss Lou, and Claude McKay. Claude McKay was my mother’s favorite. I believe she left a dedication to him, in her book. I recall reading his works & thinking to myself…WoW! His words strike chords.”
Here’s a snippet about this amazing Creative Claude McKay
Claude McKay: The Jamaican-American Literary Pioneer
Claude McKay, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, was a Jamaican-American writer and poet who made significant contributions to American literature. Born in 1889 in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica, McKay’s works explored themes of racial identity, social injustice, and the struggles of the African diaspora.
McKay’s early life in Jamaica greatly influenced his writing. Growing up in a society marked by racial inequality and colonial oppression, he developed a keen awareness of the injustices faced by people of African descent. This awareness would later become a central theme in his literary works.
In 1912, McKay moved to the United States, settling in Harlem, New York City. It was during this time that he became an integral part of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African-American art, music, and literature. McKay’s poetry and prose captured the spirit of the era, reflecting the experiences and aspirations of African-Americans.
One of McKay’s most famous works is his collection of poems titled “Harlem Shadows” (1922). This collection explored themes of love, desire, and racial prejudice. The poems in “Harlem Shadows” were groundbreaking for their honest portrayal of the African-American experience, challenging societal norms and shedding light on the struggles faced by the black community.
Another notable work by McKay is his novel “Home to Harlem” (1928), which became one of the first best-selling novels written by an African-American author.
