Previously on Genius...
How about Daddy took on the Klan?
And where the hell did that get him?
His people appeared only in sheets and hoods.
I've joined the Nation of Islam,
so has Ella Mae.
I would like to make you
the national representative to the Nation.
Absolutely.
Betty, will you marry me?
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: We heard you was looking for us.
Well, here we are.
We achieved what everyone thought impossible,
but what I think will be best if you go to Atlanta.
Now it's time to take on the world.
Yeah. You can see that, right?
Yes.
How you doing?
Thank you all for coming.
There you are.
Thank you for coming.
Well.
You doing okay, Doc?
I can shut this down if you want.
I'm, I'm okay.
A few more won't hurt.
Come on over.
Are you Martin Luther King?
That's what they call me.
Have you been conspiring with the Communist party?
I'm sorry?
You ruined my life!
Martin Luther King and the NAACP are no good!
We should take it out.
No, no! Don't touch it!
If we take it out, we'll kill him.
Everything's gonna be all right.
Martin, stay with me, brother.
Is that Martin I hear?
Ha ha!
Yes, it is.
Good morning, man.
Good morning.
Ready to brush your teeth?
Alright.
Nice.
Mmmmmm!
See now, that's how bad habits start.
Let me get my son, come on.
Here we go.
Go play over here with your toys.
First day back at work. You nervous?
You know, as much time as Ralph, Stanley and Rustin
spent here in the last few months,
it feels like I already been back.
Well, the kids are gonna miss you.
It's been nice having you home these past months.
Yeah? Maybe I should get stabbed more often.
Sorry, bad joke.
Getting that phone call
was the worst day of my life, Martin.
If that deranged woman's blade
had been a millimeter to the left,
or if you had even sneezed...
But it wasn't. And I didn't.
And I'm okay.
You promise?
Yes.
But if you need me to do a little something-something
to prove it to you, I can.
Boy, stop, that's how we just got
that mini you over there.
Yeah, well, the next one will be a mini you, then.
And if not that one, then the one after that,
or the one after that.
And when I'm raising this little castle of Kings...
- Yes. - Where will you be?
Well, I'm gonna be at the French Riviera
with Dorothy Dandridge,
but we'll be sure to send you a postcard or two.
Well, Ralph mentioned you're still low on SCLC staff.
And I'd love to fill in wherever needed.
I can take a break from unpacking
and the kids can go to your parents'.
Yeah. Well, I don't want you to be worried
about getting caught up.
Besides, I'll be home by the time you have dinner ready,
and I'll help you unpack.
Sure thing.
By the way, Sepia Magazine reached out again to reschedule
their cover shoot they wanted us to do a few months back.
If you're still up for it, I could call them with new times.
Sure. Let me just check my work schedule,
and I'll let you know.
- Alright. - Alright.
Minister, did you meet with foreign dignitaries
during your travels?
What diplomatic efforts
is the Black Muslim movement creating abroad?
I express gratitude to the people of Africa
and the Middle East
for providing extraordinary hospitality during my travels.
My time was transformative to say the least.
Minister, what are your thoughts
on the stabbing of Dr. King, the leader of Black America?
I wish no harm on anyone.
I hope the best for the Doctor,
but it's only an indication of where our country is going
and how it will affect our so-called leaders.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I see my wife.
Minister, are you gonna reach out to Dr. King?
Get back. Get back, please.
Alright, folks, that's it.
I've missed you so much.
I missed you more.
You look beautiful.
How are you and our little one holding up?
Besides my feet swelling up, we're fine.
Grant's been nice enough
to take us to and from our doctor's appointments.
So your boats are swelling.
I can fix that.
Really? How?
You know I have hands of magic.
Okay, Houdini.
But first you need to eat,
and when we get home, I want to hear everything about your trip.
You'll hear everything, but right now,
someone is waiting for me at the temple.
Grant's going to drop you home
and then take me straight to the office.
It shouldn't take me too long.
You just got off a 12-hour flight
and you've already scheduled something?
What about our time?
Our time is plentiful, okay?
But this needs to be addressed.
Once done, I'll be home and it'll just be about us.
Now do you want to feel these hands of magic?
And so the SCLC, in partnership
with AFL-CIO Vice President A. Philip Randolph,
are announcing a massive nonviolent picketing
of the upcoming Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
The recently passed Civil Rights Act of 1960
does not meet our repeated demands
of abolishing second-class citizenship
for Black people in this country.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, and then you wrap up with,
stronger legislative measures are needed,
and these protests will bring our demands
to the doorsteps of both parties.
And now you applaud.
Thank you.
Bravo. Bravo.
Alright, let's change
"does not meet our repeated demands"
to "does not meet our needs."
We don't want our allies feeling like
we've got a gun to their heads.
Stanley, what do you think?
You'll ruffle feathers,
but it's nothing we shouldn't be able to handle.
Ms. Baker, what do you think?
Well, I really liked the blah, blah, blah part.
Changing laws and bills is necessary,
but in my extensive experience,
the only way real change is made is at the grassroots level,
not standing at a podium or pulpit.
Four Black students from Greensboro, North Carolina,
staged a nonviolent sit-in at a Woolworth's
and successfully desegregated their lunch counter.
This is the kind of actual direct, nonviolent action
we need to support!
It's only a matter of time
before this reaches Atlanta?
It already has.
Students from Black colleges in town have reached out to me.
They're calling a meeting to establish contacts
between the universities,
and they want to know, Martin, will you be there?
Are we sure associating them
with the movement at this unpredictable stage
is a good idea?
It's important that the SCLC be seen as credible,
especially in the eyes of Washington,
if we hope to champion legislation through.
Important for the SCLC... or you?
Set the meeting with the students.
In the meantime, Bayard, go ahead and release the statement
and start coordinating the convention protests.
That's all, everyone.
So, what am I looking at?
American propaganda would have us believe
that our brothers and sisters in Africa are barbaric savages
living in huts in the jungle.
But on my travels, I didn't see any jungle,
and I didn't see any mud huts either.
We are beautiful, intelligent and powerful.
But the devil doesn't want you to see that,
because once you do, the lie cannot hold.
So what's your point, Minister?
Truth. The truth of who we are.
One of the truths my father told me as a young man
that always stuck with me
is that if they won't give us some land here,
then we can go back home.
That's quite incendiary, Minister.
To you, maybe.
And I believe it won't be to our brothers and sisters
in this nation if they simply are exposed to it.
Well, I've been following the Muslim movement
for a few months, and if nothing more,
it could be worth writing up a story.
And I've been following you for some time,
Brother Lomax.
You're a fine journalist, so, while appreciated,
I have ideas of something bigger than a writeup.
I've been making small movies of my travels
and screening them at the temples where I lecture.
I see how the images move folks.
A film on television that could help many lost souls.
So far, there's only been one narrative
the so-called Negro in this country has heard,
laid out by Uncle Tom leaders in the South.
I want to offer another one.
The true one.
And what's that?
True freedom.
Freedom rooted in pride and dignity within self.
It rests in each one of our souls.
You know, if there's any credit to give
those Southern preachers, it's the way they use the press.
And besides, if I'm being frank,
getting this piece will be the biggest thing for you to date.
Alright. Alright.
Don't ever let anyone tell you you aren't a great salesman.
I've been doing some work with this news anchor, Mike Wallace.
He's been looking for a good story.
But he isn't gonna be interested unless I have full access
to your temples and organization
and your leader, Elijah Muhammad.
Without him, this doesn't work.
I'll make it happen.
You okay, Dr. King?
I'm fine. Thank you.
Is that pecan pie I smell?
Indeed it is, though, none of it is for you.
Why not?
Miss Juanita came round yesterday
and said you are on a no-sweets diet until further notice.
Well, she ain't the boss of me.
And I'd be careful, Martin, you ain't no Greek god yourself.
I think you look just fine, Dr. King.
Thank you, Dorothy.
Have a good evening.
What is it?
"Democratic Congressman Adam Clayton Powell
denounces the upcoming convention protests
by fellow Negro Reverend King
and claims King is being manipulated behind the scenes
by Bayard Rustin."
Tell me why the hell is Powell doing this?
He's supposed to be one of our biggest allies.
Why is he saying all this?
You know Powell, he's always playing an angle.
Whatever he's up to, clearly taking you down
will make him look good to someone.
Yes. Well, I don't have time to engage in all this.
I'm gonna write him a telegram demanding a retraction.
Hey.
You doing okay?
You seemed a bit off all day.
Martin.
I'm fine.
Everybody just needs to stop checking on me.
Think I'm gonna head on home.
I'll see you in the morning.
Are you Martin Luther King?
Have you been conspiring with the Communist party?
You ruined my life!
God.
Martin?
Wait! We need to lock in a date
for the Sepia Magazine interview.
Martin, if you're not up for it, I can push it off.
It's not that big a deal.
We can wait. Just, just give me a minute.
Hi.
Brought you your favorite.
Look good, don't it?
Thank you.
What do you think?
It's good.
This part is especially convincing:
"The broadcast will illuminate millions
of lost so-called Negroes to your message.
The dead will rise across America."
Who is it for?
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
What?
Nothing.
It's just a big ask.
I hope he receives it with warm ears.
You know, Malcolm, this child is due any day.
We really need to consider a new home.
The house is fine.
It just needs a fresh coat of paint.
The floorboards are coming up,
and the plumbing seldom works.
It needs more than a paint job.
And I would like you home to make sure it happens correctly.
That home was gifted to us through donations
from our followers.
We can hire someone to fix the issues,
but there is no necessity to relocate.
You okay?
The baby, it's, it kicked.
Active, right?
Just like they mama.
Listen, baby, I understand this is all moving so fast.
I do.
But it's moving in the direction we both wanted, right?
Yes.
Alright, then.
So, let's keep walking our journey together
and keep adding to it, okay?
I'm inviting the Messenger to dinner
on his next visit to Harlem.
Can you work with some MGTs
to ensure the meal is to his liking?
Yes. No problem.
You are right on time.
Are you ready?
Yes.
It's all thanks to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad.
Absolutely.
What's all this?
This is Mr. Louis Lomax.
He's a journalist doing a piece on the Nation for television.
Television?
Minister, has the Honorable Elijah Muhammad approved this?
I'm in the process of securing his approval
any moment now.
Minister, you haven't received approval yet?
Like I said, in the process.
I actually, I think we've gotten enough for today.
I'll be in touch with you later.
Thank you.
Listen.
I understand your passion, Brother.
But I've been in this longer than you.
I remember the old heads telling me about Detroit in the '30s,
when our teachings went out to the larger world.
It almost destroyed us.
We came back stronger,
and this time, the Nation is controlling the story.
You have faith that the TV devils will do right by us?
Of course not, but I have faith that our Nation
and its message is incorruptible, undeniable.
We can't allow fear to prevent us
from reaching those who need it.
Those who seek faith shall find it.
How are they going to find it
if they don't know where to look?
How are they going to know it if we don't tell them?
I believe once the Messenger sees what this can be,
he will agree to it.
Well, you're gonna get your chance
sooner than you think.
He just arrived in Harlem today,
and he'll be joining you at your home this evening.
Your daddy needs to come fix this house,
or I will lose it.
What do you say?
No response.
Just like your father.
Ella Mae.
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad is here
earlier than expected.
We need to prepare the dinner for tonight.
Tonight?
But the house is a wreck.
I can't host under these conditions.
Thank you for helping me.
I'm not here to help you; I'm here to help Malcolm.
Our fight is not against the White man,
but against the corrupt system he built.
- Yeah, that's right. - Yeah.
A system our fathers and our fathers' fathers
were unable to destroy.
Yeah.
Well, I say let's take a battering ram to that system
one segregated lunch counter at a time!
Yeah!
Alright.
Mr. Julian Bond, seeing leaders like you
gives us hope for the future.
We appreciate that, Reverend.
Ms. Baker's taught us that strong people
don't need strong leaders.
She also helped us come up with a name for ourselves:
the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
The SNCC. "Snicc." It has a nice ring to it.
But I want you to know that you have the full support
of the SCLC with you in your struggle.
Thank you, Dr. King.
We actually wanted to ask
if you would join us in our first scheduled sit-in
at Rich's Department Store?
Well, I don't know.
You managed to do so well without us,
I would hate to be in the way.
I'm sure Martin understands just how important
seeing him in action would be to you all.
It's something we'll definitely consider.
Meantime, why don't you show me where you train
your fellow students on nonviolent practices?
You knew they were gonna ask that,
and you didn't say anything.
Damn right I did.
These kids are risking their lives on the front lines
while you're entertaining the bourgeois club
and the good ol' boys.
You've lost sense of the struggle!
It's a strategy and a necessary legislative one.
Whether we like it or not, the road to real equality
in this country runs through DC.
And I haven't lost sight of anything.
Yes. You have.
Because the people you need to connect with
aren't on Pennsylvania Avenue, they're in that room.
Right now, you are the voice of the Civil Rights Movement
to them, but you can't lead from the sidelines.
Soon, they'll find another voice to lead them.
Not everyone has the luxury of being reckless
like you, Ms. Baker.
Why are you so afraid of being confrontational, Martin?
Don't tell me anything about being confrontational!
I was attacked!
While we all appreciate your work
as our interim executive director,
the board has been asking me
about finding a more permanent solution.
I think it's time we do just that.
Yes.
I think it is.
Sister Betty, this meal is delightful.
I trust my early arrival didn't cause you too much hassle?
No, sir.
It's always a pleasure to have you fellowship with us.
Don't tell Sister Grace this,
I know how proud she's of hers, but your bean soup is perfect.
Please.
Sister Grace taught me everything I know.
It is so beautiful to bear witness
the beginning of your journey.
By virtue of Allah, you are blessed,
to bring new life into this world.
The Black woman is the mother of civilization.
May Allah bless your fruits.
Thank you, sir.
I, um, I must admit, it's been challenging for me
to navigate this new path.
We are so grateful for our home.
However, with the conditions we're under,
bringing a child into this environment,
it will be difficult to maintain.
I think what Betty is trying to say
is that we still have some nesting to do
before the baby arrives.
No.
What I'm saying is just as it is important
we represent Allah inside the temple,
it is equally important we represent Allah inside our home,
which means ensuring the best temple for worship
and the best home for growing a family.
Wouldn't you agree, Your Honorable One?
Betty, could you and Ella Mae please prepare the tea?
Why would you think running off at the mouth
to the Messenger was the solution?
Malcolm is so thick-headed about this house.
Everything's breaking.
You must understand your role.
Creating conflict for your husband will serve you no good.
Focus on that baby and keeping this house presentable
at the very least.
How can I possibly maintain a proper home
when everything's falling apart?
You have no idea what he's up against.
He's under immense pressure to make this film a success.
It'd serve you better if you were less needy.
So what am I supposed to do?
Stand here and not stand up for my family?
What he doesn't understand is what I'm up against.
And why am I in the wrong for saying what I believe?
Your job is to support Malcolm,
not to focus on yourself.
Do that first, and everything else will work itself out.
Brother Malcolm, from your letter,
it sounded like you wanted to propose a project to me,
but after talking to Brother Clyde,
it appears you already started.
Sir, I know you're not pleased with my enthusiasm,
but I would at least like to show you
the work that we've captured.
Sir, this is your kingdom.
Black men and women who were lost,
but by the power of your divine teaching, by the grace of Allah,
they have been saved, like I have been saved.
And there can be more of it.
This broadcast will bring our message to a national audience,
and we can dramatically increase followers
and build more temples.
Minister, I must admit,
these images are quite powerful.
Sir, while I think Minister Malcolm
has a compelling idea,
I fear the Minister is stretching himself thin.
Thank you for your concern, Brother,
but I can do it.
I am a national spokesman and used to a packed schedule.
I beg you, sir, to please consider
the repercussions of allowing our doctrine onto the airwaves.
Exposing our protocols could lead to wicked spirits
entering our temples.
You won't be able to control how the film is edited.
Do you trust this brother you had in your office?
Sir, as much as one can trust a person
who is not a believer in Allah.
A lie don't care who tells it.
All this gallivanting he's doing will not benefit the Nation
if the only thing that comes from it
is we get ambushed by the police again.
Sir, while Clyde is right
there will be a subtle backlash,
the benefits are far greater than the risks.
I will permit it.
But I caution not to fall for any tricknology.
If this reporter betrays us,
there will be grave consequences.
Thank you.
Sister Betty,
thank you for this wonderful meal.
And I hope this will help with any issues
you're having nesting.
And when's the baby due?
Any day now.
Inshallah.
I was going over the plans
for the convention protest, and I think they're really good,
but what do you think about initiating the protests
the night before to build more of a groundswell?
Yeah, I don't know.
Everything okay?
I already told you I'm fine.
You don't look fine.
I said I'm fine!
Come on in, welcome.
Hello! Welcome to our home.
Come in, come in.
Hi. Hello, hello. Hi.
I'll get the kids.
While my call to ministry
is through the desire to serve God and humanity,
unyielding faith guides us through any quarrels.
Well, my role as a wife has been an adjustment.
And then I had to adjust to being a minister's wife,
which is quite the task.
Many confuse passive resistance with non-resistance.
Fundamentally, it's weak to lay guns in the hands
of desperate men when there's more power in mobilizing.
We must all strive to be ambassadors of human dignity.
As I've personally experienced attacks on my life,
I can attest to God's divine intervention.
Martin has transformed into quite the celebrity.
And while I'm very proud of him, there isn't a second
that I'm not thinking of a way to protect him.
So, what was so important
that you needed me to come now?
I'm off to Los Angeles tomorrow for the Democratic Convention.
Well, um...
You need to cancel the convention protests.
What?
Why?
This some kind of joke?
No.
Congressman Powell says if I don't cancel the protests
and sever ties with you, he's gonna go to the press
saying that he has evidence that we are sleeping together.
Well, we know damn well he doesn't,
because it's completely untrue.
Besides the fact that I am totally out of your league.
Do you know why he's doing this?
Power. Influence within the party.
I don't know, and it doesn't matter.
It does matter!
I've been dealing with this sort of thing
since I was six years old.
I didn't roll over then and I'm not going to start now.
Powell is a bully.
And when a bully threatens you, you don't walk away.
You ball up your fists and you swing
until you can't lift your arms anymore.
Listen, protesting those conventions
is the morally correct thing to do.
What if, what if I resign?
Just to get him off our backs.
Maybe that's not a bad idea.
Okay.
I'll have my resignation letter to you in the morning.
You know, after everything we've been through together,
I never pegged you for a coward.
Betty, I'm so sorry.
It's fine.
It all happened so quick.
So the okra recipe worked?
Yes.
Attallah was a champion.
Didn't give mommy any troubles.
Beautiful.
Let us pray.
In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the merciful,
all praise due to Allah, lord of the world.
Cover us as we embark on this new path as parents.
Shield our baby girl from all.
Ameen.
Of all the medium-priced cars,
car for car across the board...
Excuse me, ma'am.
Would it be possible to get some additional blankets for my wife?
We're just across the hall in 804.
Of course, sir. One moment.
Good evening, I'm Mike Wallace.
Tonight, the study of the rise of Black racism,
of a call for Black supremacy
among a small but growing segment
of the American Negro population.
We'll talk about what can be done about the rising tide
of racism among this segment of the Negro population.
So now, The Hate That Hate Produced.
But of even more interest to New Yorkers is Malcolm X,
the Muslims' New York minister.
He is a remarkable man, a man who, by his own admission,
was once a procurer and dope peddler.
He served time for robbery in the Michigan
and Massachusetts state penitentiaries,
but now he's a changed man, he will not smoke or drink,
he will not even eat in a restaurant
that houses a tavern.
He told Newsbeat that his life changed for him
when the Muslim faith taught him
no longer to be ashamed of being a Black man.
Reporter Louis Lomax asked Minister Malcolm X
to further explain the Muslim teachings of Elijah Muhammad.
Mr. Elijah Muhammad also says, and I quote,
"So-called American Negroes are descendants of Allah."
Yes.
Is this your standard teaching?
Yes.
He teaches us that the Black man, by nature, is divine.
Now, does that mean that the White man is,
by nature, evil?
By nature, he is other than divine.
Well, does it mean he is evil? Can he do good?
Well, history is best qualified
to reward all research,
but historically, we have no example of them
collectively as a people doing good.
This man is gonna get people killed.
Dr. Martin Luther King has been a visible...
Baptist leader in this country
since the Montgomery bus boycott.
A boycott built on the back of a Black woman,
Sister Rosa Parks.
And you do not agree with his stance on nonviolence?
No.
It is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself.
Is Martin Luther King the Uncle Tom you refer to?
Yes, Martin Luther King is an Uncle Tom.
I've got hundreds of people
stopping me on the streets,
asking if we're preaching hatred towards White people.
Why would you allow them to run with that title?
When we agreed to this, I cautioned you that Wallace
would have final control of the broadcast.
You allowed a White man to twist our words.
Even the Uncle Tom preachers down in Georgia
are calling us Black supremacists.
Wallace is the producer.
You should have fought
to not derail our message!
Malcolm, you and Mr. Muhammad's words were clear.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
What are you doing?
Just the other day, you were completely against joining this.
I changed my mind.
Changed your mind? Why?
It doesn't matter why.
All that matters is it's my choice.
I don't have to run everything I do by you.
As a matter of fact, you do.
It wouldn't just be you crossing that line.
You'd be dragging the entire SCLC
and all the political goodwill we've built up
across that line with you.
This gets out of hand, there's no going back.
Well, if you believe all that,
then why are you even here?
Because I don't have to agree with my friend
to stand at his side.
We'd like to order lunch.
Please.
You don't belong!
You ain't allowed here, boy.
Get up!
Get up, boy! Get up!
These seats ain't for you!
Nobody wants you here!
Eat it! Eat it!
- Get up! - Get up!
Come on, let's go, we got this. We got this.
Let's go. Time to go.
Come on. Let's go. Let's go.
Time to go. Come on.
Let's go. Come on. Let's go!
Come on. Come on.
Girl,
y'all have really outdone yourselves this time.
Dr. King's girl Friday.
Girl, I'm surprised you got the kids
to sit still for so long.
You and Martin just look so... perfect.
What's wrong?
Hello.
Stanley?
Where are they taking them?
Lord, I need Your guidance.
I'm afraid.
I'm afraid of losing my allies...
the movement...
my life...
of earning more enemies.
God, please see me through.
Your car is ready, Your Honorable One.
Brought you some reading material for the road.
It appears Brother Malcolm achieved his goal.
I'll be in the car.