A liberatory anthology of twenty-six writers—a community in book form—charting paths ahead for action and care in the face of political uncertainty, curated by Maggie Smith and Saeed Jones.

Phoenix Books is excited to host Saeed Jones and Maggie Smith for a discussion moderated by Alexander Chee to celebrate their new book, The People’s Project!

Inspired by Saeed Jones and Maggie Smith’s conversations in the wake of the 2024 election, the book is a collection of poems, essays and visual art on what we—individually and collectively—can hold onto and what we can work towards.

The People’s Project features original and selected work from Alexander Chee, Chase Strangio, Tiana Clark, Hala Alyan, Aubrey Hirsch, Imani Perry, Abi Maxwell, Victoria Chang, Koritha Mitchell, Jason Silverstein, Alice Wong, Mira Jacob, Aruni Kashyap, Sam Sax, Ashley C. Ford, Marlon James, Eula Biss, Randall Mann, Danez Smith, Ada Limon, Kiese Laymon, Joy Harjo, Jill Damatac and Patricia Smith.