The iconic meeting between the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X on March 26, 1964, during a Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act, has become a pivotal moment etched in history. Now, this historical encounter takes center stage in the latest installment of National Geographic’s “Genius” anthology series, aptly titled “Genius: MLK/X,” premiering Thursday and marking the fourth series of this acclaimed show.
Kelvin Harrison Jr., portraying King, and Aaron Pierre, embodying the role of Malcolm X, found themselves facing the challenge of bringing this significant moment to life on the first day of filming. Looking back, Harrison humorously recalled his initial reaction, questioning whether it was a prank orchestrated by the producers. “We barely even knew what we were doing yet,” he admitted, highlighting the unexpected pressure they felt.
The decision to schedule such a crucial scene early in the filming process turned out to be a stroke of genius, according to Pierre. “Had we had four months (of shooting) under our belt, I think we might have gone into that differently, but we had no choice but to just lean into the present moment,” he reflected, emphasizing the authenticity that arose from this immediate immersion into character dynamics.
Executive producers Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood, drawing inspiration from a photograph of the real-life introduction on their sons’ walls, aim to emphasize the importance of recognizing the contributions of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X to civil rights and U.S. history. They challenge the common misconception that individuals must choose between aligning with either Malcolm or Martin, emphasizing that both men, while challenging each other, learned and aligned in various ways.
Previous seasons of “Genius” have delved into the lives of iconic figures like Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, and Aretha Franklin. “Genius: MLK /X” takes a closer look at the origin stories of King and Malcolm X, exploring the events that led them to make the impactful choices that fueled their roles as leaders in the civil rights movement.
To ensure accuracy, the production team conducted a two-week “think take,” involving scholars, activists, and individuals associated with the Civil Rights Movement. Discussions delved into the personal lives, mental health, and lesser-known aspects of the two iconic figures. The goal was to uncover details not typically found in history books, with Bythewood expressing their excitement at the rich insights gained from scholars’ debates during this period.
A central focus for the producers was to “amplify” the voices of Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz, the respective wives of King and Malcolm X. Prince-Bythewood emphasized that these women were not mere sidekicks but integral to the genius of the two men and the broader movement itself. The series dedicates its fifth episode to delve into the backstories of Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz, shedding light on how they evolved into influential leaders in their own right. With “Genius: MLK /X,” the producers aim to present a comprehensive narrative that goes beyond well-known speeches and interviews, exploring the lead-up to pivotal moments and the underlying motivations of these iconic figures.
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