Genius: MLK/X, the fourth installment in the Genius anthology series, wraps up on the National Geographic channel, with the finale set to stream on Disney+ and Hulu. The series, which explores the formative years of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, also shines a spotlight on the contributions of their wives, Betty Shabazz and Coretta Scott King. Jayme Lawson, who plays Shabazz, expressed her enthusiasm for this aspect of the show, noting that the producers were keen on portraying these women as equal partners with their husbands.
Lawson further reflected on the significance of portraying Shabazz, stating that she was humbled by the faith executive producer Gina Prince-Bythewood had in her. She emphasized the importance of delving into the complexities of such powerful women and not confining them to a single dimension.
For Weruche Opia, who portrays Coretta Scott King, this was her first time playing a real person. She described the experience as a huge deal and an honor, highlighting the responsibility she felt in interpreting King's character while respecting her legacy. Opia's portrayal was informed by her deep dive into King's autobiography, My Life, My Love, My Legacy, as she sought to understand the woman behind the public figure.
Both actresses believe that Shabazz and Coretta Scott King's legacies are as significant as those of their husbands, as they continued their work for equality after their husbands' deaths. Opia emphasized the ongoing nature of their contributions, stating that society still benefits from the inspiration and groundwork laid by these women. The series aims to showcase these often-overlooked figures and their pivotal roles in the civil rights movement.
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