More than 50 years later, it’s still difficult to underscore how important the civil rights movement was to ending racial discrimination, thanks largely to the work ofDr. Martin Luther King Jr.andMalcolm X.
The iconic civil rights leaders' “dueling philosophies” are at the heart of the latest installment of National Geographic’s eight-part anthology seriesGenius: MLK/X,premiering Feb. 1. The cast includes Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Aaron Pierre as Malcolm X, Weruche Opia as Coretta Scott King and Jayme Lawson as Betty Shabazz.
The first teaser offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Emmy Award-winning show’s new season.
‘Genius: MLK/X’ stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre.National Geographic
National Geographic
“I don’t think you can understand who Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was and his legacy without understanding the legacy of Malcolm X,” Peniel E. Joseph explains as the camera cuts to brief moments of Harrison Jr. and Pierre playing the two civil rights leaders.
“They had the same objectives. They had the same goals,” explains Pierre.
“Their approach is just a little different,” adds Lawson. “They’re just reaching people that the other missed.”
‘Genius: MLK/X’ star Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Martin Luther King Jr.National Geographic
As brief snippets flash of King and Malcolm X sharing a kiss with their wives, the teaser cuts to police officers beating and arresting Black Americans on the street. “There’s a preconception they were both against each other,” Opia continues.
“Over time, they really become people who influenced the other,” Joseph says, as King and Malcolm X stroll through similarly staged moments.
“It’s as though they’re speaking to each other throughout history,” Lawson concludes.
The two finally meet in the teaser’s climactic scene, warmly shaking hands before the show’s title dramatically appears.
‘Genius: MLK/X’ star Aaron Pierre portraying Malcolm X.National Geographic
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The first two episodes ofGENIUS: MLK/Xpremiere Feb. 1 on National Geographic and can be streamed the next day on Disney+ and Hulu, with two new episodes debuting weekly on all platforms.
source: people.com
