Genius: MLK/X – Exploring the Converging Paths of Two Civil Rights Icons

The National Geographic series “Genius: MLK/X” delves into the complex relationship and evolving philosophies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. These two pivotal figures in the American Civil Rights Movement, often perceived as opposing forces, are portrayed as two sides of the same coin, striving for equality through different approaches.

The series opens with their historical meeting at Capitol Hill during the 1964 Civil Rights Act Senate filibuster. “MLK/X” proposes that as their lives progressed, their paths began to converge. Malcolm X distanced himself from the Nation of Islam, while King broadened his focus to encompass labor rights and opposition to the Vietnam War.

Peniel Joseph, author of books on the Black Power movement and contemporary race relations, and a consultant for the series, explains this convergence as a shift in their core principles. King championed citizenship, emphasizing integration and equal rights within the existing system. Malcolm X prioritized dignity, demanding recognition and self-determination for Black Americans. The series suggests that they eventually recognized the necessity of both dignity and citizenship in achieving true equality.

“Genius: MLK/X” was conceived by Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood, who insisted on the integral role of Malcolm X in King’s narrative. They believed portraying King without acknowledging Malcolm X’s influence would be an incomplete and inaccurate representation of the era.

The series also explores the evolution of public perception of both figures. It examines the 1959 documentary “The Hate That Hate Produced,” which introduced Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam to a wider audience, shaping his early image as a figure of hate. While King remains a widely celebrated figure, “MLK/X” aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of both men, showcasing their individual complexities and the gradual convergence of their ideologies in the pursuit of social justice. The series illustrates how Malcolm X’s message resonated with a broader audience over time, while King’s later activism revealed a more radical side. Ultimately, “Genius: MLK/X” invites viewers to reconsider the traditional dichotomy between these two iconic leaders and appreciate their shared commitment to a more just and equitable world.