Here are some key figures you might be thinking of:
* Langston Hughes: Though known for his more lyrical and celebratory poems, Hughes also wrote powerful works that addressed the struggles of Black Americans, like "The Weary Blues" and "I, Too, Sing America." His work often called for equality and a better future.
* Claude McKay: McKay's work was often explicitly militant, with poems like "If We Must Die" and "Home to Harlem" that expressed anger and defiance in the face of racism. He also wrote novels like "Home to Harlem" that explored the complexities of Black identity and the search for freedom.
* W.E.B. Du Bois: While not strictly a novelist or poet, Du Bois was a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance and his work was deeply influential. His writings like "The Souls of Black Folk" explored themes of race, identity, and the need for racial upliftment.
* Zora Neale Hurston: Though not always seen as a militant writer, Hurston's works like "Their Eyes Were Watching God" dealt with themes of racial prejudice and the limitations placed on Black individuals, highlighting the need for social change.
It's important to note that the Harlem Renaissance was a diverse movement, and many writers had different approaches to addressing racial issues. Some focused on celebrating Black culture, while others took a more direct and militant stance.
It's helpful to remember that the Harlem Renaissance was not just about literature, but also about music, art, and social activism. These different forms of expression often worked together to promote awareness of the struggles faced by Black Americans and call for a better future.