The fourth edition of National Geographic’s Genius series tells two stories simultaneously, focusing on the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. This new season is called Genius: MLK/X and provides a detailed view of the civil rights movement. It offers a comprehensive look at the historical context and the impactful contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X to the civil rights movement.
The series is produced by Jeff Stetson, whose play The Meeting portrayed a fictional meeting between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Both leaders had different approaches to progress. They had their lives tragically ended a few years apart. Stetson’s work shows distinct perspectives of these influential figures and explores the impact of their lives on the broader historical narrative. Read on to find out some exciting details about the show.
Who was Malcolm X?
Malcolm X left an indelible mark on history through his powerful quotes, impactful speeches, and tragic assassination. Malcolm X’s speeches urged Black Americans to seek education and economic independence. Tragically, Malcolm X’s life was cut short by an assassination on February 21, 1965, during a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. This event marked a dark chapter in the civil rights movement, and his death left a void in the struggle for racial equality.
The iconic image of Malcolm X is often associated with his distinctive cap, which symbolizes his identity and commitment to the Nation of Islam. The cap reflected the pride and strength he advocated for within the Black community. Malcolm X addressed systemic racism and inequality, using words to ignite the want for justice. His legacy lives on through his powerful words. His work for the importance of education, self-determination, and the fight against oppression will never be forgotten. Malcolm X’s assassination was a tragic event and serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Who Played Malcolm X in Genius: MLK/X 2024?
The 29-year-old talented actor Aaron Pierre plays Malcolm X in this new series. The star felt scared when initially offered the role because of its significant responsibility. He found it mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically he found it challenging mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically to immerse himself in Malcolm X’s world for six months. Regarding the physical aspect, Aaron Pierre mentioned the similarity in height with Malcolm X. He shared with Time that he spent considerable Time on the Stairmaster throughout the six months to maintain a comparable weight.
Aaron says he considers himself lucky to have set on this journey with a good understanding of Malcolm X, his principles, and his significance. He says his parents and grandparents passed the knowledge down. It would be wrong to say that he learned about the life and legacy of Malcolm X in education.
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Is Genius: MLK/X Already Out?
Yes, they came out on February 1, 2024. It releases two episodes a week.
What to Expect from Genius: MLK/X 2024?
The series is based on a brief encounter between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in Washington in 1964, making efforts for the Civil Rights Act. It wisely broadens its scope by extensively discovering the lives of their wives, Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz. This shift in focus provides a more comprehensive view of the individuals involved. It brings insight into the crucial roles played by these women alongside their husbands during this significant period in history.
Who Will You See in Nat Geo’s Genius: MLK/X?
Aaron Pierre does a fantastic job playing Malcolm X. The complete cast of the series is listed below.
| Cast | Characters |
| Kelvin Harrison Jr. | Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Jalyn Hall | Young Martin Luther King Jr. |
| Aaron Pierre | Malcolm X |
| Weruche Opia | Coretta Scott King |
| Jayme Lawson | Betty Shabazz |
| Ron Cephas Jones | Elijah Muhammad |
| Gary Carr | Clyde X |
| Hubert Point-Du Jour | Ralph Abernathy |
| Lennie James | Martin Luther King Sr. |
How Many Episodes does Genius: MLK/X have?
The show has a total of 8 episodes. It drops two episodes each week. A brief guide is given here.
- Episode 1 — Graduation — Thu, February 1, 2024
- Episode 2 — Who We Are — Thu, February 1, 2024
- Episode 3 — Protect Us — Thu, February 8, 2024
- Episode 4 — Watch the Throne — Thu, February 8, 2024
- Episode 5 — Matriarchs — Thu, February 15, 2024
- Episode 6 — The American Promise — Thu, February 15, 2024
- Episode 7 — The Sword and the Shield — Thu, February 22, 2024
- Episode 8 — Can You Imagine — Thu, February 22, 2024
What is the IMDb Rating of Genius: MLK/X?
| IMDb Rating | 8.4 |
What are the Critic Reviews on Genius: MLK/X 2024?
According to CNN, the actors especially Pierre, known for roles in “Foe”and “The Underground Railroad” deliver compelling performances. Pierre effectively portrays Malcolm’s quiet intensity and the impact of his prison conversion to Islam. MLK/X primarily aims to humanize its subjects. It reveals the real people and sacrifices behind the myths and legends. The show’s overall pace is slow, but it is still a massive success.
Wrapping Up
Genius previously covered Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, and Aretha Franklin. The fourth season commences with a brief encounter between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in Washington in 1964 during the efforts for the Civil Rights Act. Malcolm X never promoted violence. His emphasis was on self-defense. If a situation emerged where your life or the well-being of your loved ones was in danger, he believed you had the right to protect and defend yourself. This series serves as an initial step for people to understand these iconic figures better.
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