Claude McKay (1889-1948)
Even though Claude McKay was born in Jamaica, he was very influential in the Harlem Renaissance. He was the youngest out of eleven children and began writing poetry at age ten. His best-known novel Home to Harlem, about the life of a man in Harlem, won his immense popularity, but it sparked controversy. He wrote several other novels as well, including Banjo. Claude McKay was also a noted poet and influence of artists such as Langston Hughes. McKay's works reflected African American struggle. He also wrote for a left-leaning newspaper called The Liberator. He died in 1948.