Claude McKay Essay Example

of respectable Negro society was not unique among writers of the Negro Renaissance, which compelled the Negro middle class to reconsider their relationship with marginalized groups.

McKay, alongside other Renaissance writers, emphasized the importance of the ordinary African American and participated in a renaissance of African American folk culture. In his poetry, he effectively conveyed the New Negro's commitment to preserving their dignity, cultural value, and right to a decent life. Collaborating closely with Max Eastman, McKay journeyed to Moscow in 1923, showing solidarity with the Bolshevik Revolution and earning admiration as a national hero. McKay passed away in 1948.

During the end of 1921, McKay and Toomer were both writers of the Negro Renaissance who caused controversy within respectable Negro society. While McKay received stories from Jean Toomer, it is important to note that Toomer himself had an intriguing background. Born as Nathan Eugene Toomer in Washington, DC on December 26, 1894, he initially used his father's last name but later changed it to Jean when he embarked on his writing career. Toomer grew up in Washington with his racially mixed grandparents, although they could have been perceived as white. Despite attending multiple institutions of higher education, he never obtained a degree. In 1921, Toomer took on a substitute principal job at a Georgia school which allowed him the opportunity to explore and connect with his black heritage in the South.

Toomer's most significant literary contribution was Cane, which is a collection of poetry, short stories, and drama that delves into the culture of African-Americans in the southern United States. This work elevated his status as one of the most promising black writers during his time. Countee

Cullen praised Cane as "a genuine racial contribution, a classical depiction of reality." However, Toomer faced difficulties in publishing his later works as they were considered dull and uninteresting compared to Cane. The frustration from this inability to publish took a toll on him, leading to eye and kidney problems in the 1940s. Gradually, his mental and physical health declined until he passed away on March 30, 1967 due to arteriosclerosis. Despite actively writing until the end, Toomer's experimental writing style received occasional acclaim but was mostly ignored by African-American audiences.