Harlem Shadows is the groundbreaking poetry collection by Claude McKay, one of the central figures of the Harlem Renaissance. First published in 1922, this work captures the rhythms, sorrows, and spirit of early 20th-century Black life in America.
Through vivid imagery and masterful verse, McKay explores themes of racial identity, injustice, love, and resilience. His poems - from the iconic "The Lynching" to "If We Must Die" - speak with unflinching honesty and lyrical beauty, marking a defining moment in African American literary history.
Harlem Shadows remains a cornerstone of Black literature, a voice of courage and artistry that continues to inspire generations of readers and poets around the world.