Laura Katz Olson is a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Lehigh University. She is also an alumna of City College and was a student during the iconic 1960s’ period of the civil rights and antiwar movements. Her novel, Wrinkled Rebels (Vine Leaves Press, 2024) is a vivid representation of the lives of six City College student activists during that time and reunites with them decades later. Olivia Wood, Lecturer in the English Department at City College, talks with Professor Olson about the novel, and together they place the characters and events of the story into the present-day resurgence of campus protests and the current election season. They talk about activism past and present, the meaning and evolution of campus spaces, the “ivory tower” and the purpose of academic writing.

Listen to Episode 102 now! (Apple Podcasts)

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