‘Genius: MLK/X’ by National Geographic Explores Early Years of Civil Rights Icons

**Title: “Genius: MLK/X” Explores the Lives and Legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X**

**Introduction:**
In celebration of Black History Month, National Geographic is set to release the first two episodes of “Genius: MLK/X,” a captivating limited series that delves into the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. This Emmy award-winning franchise sheds light on how these two influential leaders, despite their different approaches, played pivotal roles in shaping the Civil Rights movement.

**Unveiling the Men Behind the Legends:**
“Genius: MLK/X” takes a unique perspective by focusing on the individuals behind the mythic figures of Dr. King and Malcolm X. Rather than emphasizing their differences, the series highlights their similarities and underscores the monumental challenges they faced. The decision to cast two young actors in the lead roles is instrumental in understanding the journeys of Malcolm X and Dr. King.

**The Indispensable Legacy of Dr. King and Malcolm X:**
The legacies of Dr. King and Malcolm X are so intertwined with the history of the Civil Rights movement that it is impossible to imagine one without the other. Surprisingly, these two leaders only met once, almost six decades ago, at the U.S. Capitol, a scene recreated at the beginning of “MLK/X.”

**Different Paths to a Common Goal:**
“They are actually two tremendous forces running parallel, and they’re running parallel to the same objective to the same end goal. They just have different paths, different routes to what they believe is the most conducive to achieving that,” explains Aaron Pierre, who portrays Malcolm X in the series. While Dr. King focused on political strategies and gaining access to influential offices, Malcolm X ignited passion among the people.

**Revealing Untold Stories:**
Documentaries often cover familiar highlights, but “Genius: MLK/X” delves into the moments preceding those iconic events. The series also sheds light on the integral roles played by the wives of Dr. King and Malcolm X, offering a deeper investigation into their humanity and everyday lives.

**Portraying Youthful Perspectives:**
Both Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr., who portrays Dr. King, are young actors. Their portrayals aim to showcase the men before they became icons, providing a more authentic and humanizing narrative. This approach adds a deeper level of reverence to their characters.

**Availability and Premiere Details:**
“Genius: MLK/X” will premiere on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on the National Geographic Channel and ABC. Starting from Friday, February 2, the series will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. All these platforms are owned by the same parent company as ABC 7.

In conclusion, “Genius: MLK/X” offers a fresh perspective on the lives and legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. This search engine optimized article highlights the importance of this limited series in understanding the Civil Rights movement and emphasizes the similarities between these two influential leaders. Don’t miss the premiere on Thursday and catch it on streaming platforms starting Friday, February 2.