Genius (2017) s04e07 Episode Script
The Sword and the Shield
1
BETTY X: Previously on Genius.
ABERNATHY: It appears Brother Malcolm
achieved his goal.
MALCOLM: You should have fought not to
derail our message.
JUANITA: You and
Martin just look so perfect.
THURMOND: Somebody ought
to muzzle that uppity
BETTY X: Hello?
THURMOND: Reverend Martin Luther King.
- CORETTA: They want us scared.
- KING JR.: I am scared.
KING SR.: And it's gonna get worse
REPORTER (OVER RADIO):
President Kennedy died
at 1:00 PM.
KING SR.: Before it gets better.
BETTY X: We are a team
and there should be nothing
that we hold back from each other.
MALCOLM X: You can't mean that
the Honorable Elijah Muhammad
is responsible for this.
BETTY X: Make Elijah
recognize his daughter and
his other children.
MALCOLM X: I allowed myself
to trust you as my father.
MUHAMMAD: You are
suspended from the Nation.
♪
(DOOR OPENS)
DR. TURNER: Brother Malcolm,
I'd be remiss if I didn't admit
it's a pleasure to meet you.
MALCOLM X: You as well, Doctor.
And thank you for your care.
So what's the prognosis?
DR. TURNER: That we will discuss.
MALCOLM X: So is it a
brain tumor or my Ramadan
caffeine withdrawals?
DR. TURNER: It doesn't
appear to be a tumor
but it's more serious than
caffeine withdrawals.
You're under a great
deal of emotional strain.
How long has it been
since your last episode?
MALCOLM X: Three weeks. Maybe four.
Honestly, I couldn't tell you, Doctor.
I'm constantly bombarded
by 1,000 images of my life,
my parents, my family.
The worst part is I can't tell
if they're memories or warnings.
DR. TURNER: Well, that
sounds like something I'm not
equipped to analyze.
I appreciate your honesty, Malcolm.
MALCOLM X: Yeah.
Well, it's something that
my wife is encouraging me
to be transparent about.
Some days are easier than others.
DR. TURNER: I wanna send
your scans to our specialist
for a more accurate analysis.
But, in the meantime,
I strongly suggest you
keep your stress levels low.
♪
- MEMBER: How you doing, brother?
- MEMBER 2: I'm good, brother.
How are you?
- MEMBER: Not well.
- MEMBER 2: What's going on?
MEMBER: Just not
liking what I'm hearing.
MEMBER 2: Yeah. Me either.
MEMBER: I hear a lot of talk.
Talk about chickens
came home to roost.
Brother Malcolm getting a
little bit ahead of himself.
MEMBER 2: Yes, sir.
MEMBER: Plotting on the
Honorable One's throne.
MEMBER 2: Hey, you know,
jealousy is a sin.
Allah will bring him to justice.
MEMBER: I believe he has.
You know, the Minister is
suffering from the same crazy
his mother had.
MEMBER 2: You know,
treason runs in the family too.
Just ask Ella Mae and Reginald.
BETTY X: You should be
ashamed of yourselves.
♪
CLYDE X: Sister?
♪
♪
♪
KING JR.: Hello?
(DOOR OPENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
Hello?
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
Hello? Martin? Martin?
KING JR.: Yes, Corrie. It's me.
CORETTA: You're still there?
You said you would be home hours ago.
KING JR.: Yeah.
I'm just preparing for
our upcoming meeting
with President Johnson.
CORETTA: Okay. Listen, Martin.
I know this means so
much to you but you have been
living out of that office
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
For the past few weeks.
KING JR.: Yeah.
Look, Corrie, I'm sorry.
I'll be home as soon as possible.
KING JR. (OVER PHONE): I promise.
(PHONE LINE CLICKING)
Did you hear that?
CORETTA: Yes.
The phone's acting up again.
The phone company is supposed to send
someone over this week.
CORETTA (OVER PHONE): At
any rate, I'll be gone all day.
CORETTA: And that means
you will have to get Yoki and
Martin III ready
for school, all right?
KING JR.: I will.
KING JR. (OVER PHONE): Yeah,
I'll see you and the kids later
CORETTA: Okay. See you soon. Bye.
KING JR. (OVER PHONE): All right. Bye.
Well, I think I'm
goin' out of my head ♪
Yes, I think I'm
goin' out of my head ♪
Yes, I think I'm
goin' out of my head ♪
Goin' out of my head ♪
KING JR. (OVER SPEAKER): I will
Send the ladies my best, all right?
Over you. Out of my head. ♪
Over you. ♪
Out of my head day and night, ♪
Night and day and night,
wrong or right ♪
♪
KING JR. (OVER SPEAKER): Hello?
CORETTA (OVER SPEAKER):
Hello? Martin? Martin?
KING JR. (OVER SPEAKER):
Yes, Corrie. It's me.
SISTER GRACE: How are you holding up?
BETTY X: I'm managing.
SISTER GRACE: And Minister Malcolm?
BETTY X: As good as one
can be after having the hammer
brought down on him.
SISTER GRACE: I'd be flogged
if anyone heard me say this
but it doesn't seem right the
way his punishment was handled.
BETTY X: It's been tough
to comprehend but Allah will
light the way for us.
SISTER GRACE: Insh'allah.
I'm here for you.
BETTY X: Appreciate it, Grace.
Sadly, I have to get going.
The post office is about to close.
SISTER GRACE: I can take
whatever you have over.
BETTY X: No. No. It's fine. It's fine.
I don't wanna put more on your plate.
SISTER GRACE: Seriously, Betty.
Let me take some off of yours.
The last thing you need to
do is spread yourself thin
especially while expecting.
Oh, come on.
Anyone with eyes can see
those nostrils widening.
(LAUGHTER)
I'll have Brother Clyde
give me a ride over there.
BETTY X: Brother Clyde?
I was not expecting him to
be in the running this long.
SISTER GRACE: He's got a good lead,
but with his schedule,
it's hard to tell if he'll keep it.
BETTY X: I need full
discretion with this.
Please. I don't want anyone meddling.
If there's a chance to
right the wrongs, it's in there.
SISTER GRACE: You
have my word, Sister.
MUHAMMAD: "I look to you,
Most Honorable One,
as you continue to heal,
to forgive Malcolm
and allow him to step back
into our Harlem temple.
Which has felt so isolated
and without purpose."
Sister Betty's words
have certainly not fallen
on deaf ears.
It brings me no comfort
to see her in pain.
CLYDE X: Make no mistake,
this is not your doing.
It is Brother Malcolm's
ambitions that got him and
his family to this point.
MUHAMMAD: I just didn't think
he would stray so far from us.
CLYDE X: When one seeks
desire beyond Allah's grace,
he'll go as far as he believes,
even if it means poisoning others.
MUHAMMAD: And you
know this for certain?
CLYDE X: Allah bears witness.
Malcolm has claimed
your throne as his own.
Moved without your permission.
It's only a matter
of time before he goes
after your followers.
MUHAMMAD: I must admit,
I felt these things
but hope they would pass
during his suspension.
CLYDE X: In my humble observation,
this will only make him
resent you even more.
He wants power, not forgiveness.
MUHAMMAD: The truth you speak,
I cannot ignore.
Brother Clyde, how would
you handle deviation?
BETTY X: You wanna eat?
- SHABAZZ: Okay.
- BETTY X: Yeah.
SHABAZZ: I wanna eat this.
- BETTY X: Don't eat too much now.
- MALCOLM X: Hmm.
Now that better not be the
last of the strawberry.
BETTY X: I know you're
not breaking your fast with
no ice cream.
MALCOLM X: You don't know that.
BETTY X: Okay, girls.
It's time for bed.
Attallah, help me with your sisters.
MALCOLM X: Okay. All right.
You have a good sleep, okay?
- ATTALLAH: Okay.
- MALCOLM X: Okay.
(PHONE RINGING)
(PHONE RINGING)
(PHONE RINGING)
Hello?
(DIAL TONE)
BETTY X: Is that another hang-up call?
Maybe we should disconnect the phone.
MALCOLM X: Then how will all
our friends be able to reach us?
BETTY X: Here.
MALCOLM X: Thank you.
BETTY X: Is everything okay?
MALCOLM X: Yeah.
Just this fast is taking
more of a toll on me than I
anticipated but I'm fine.
BETTY X: How was, how was
your visit with Dr. Turner?
MALCOLM X: It was good.
Just awaiting the results from
the scans but nothing alarming.
And how are you?
How are things at the Temple?
- BETTY X: It's fine.
- MALCOLM X: Okay.
(PHONE RINGING)
(PHONE RINGING)
BETTY X: Hello?
Oh, good evening, Brother.
Uh
MALCOLM X: Who is this?
Salam, Brother Grant.
GRANT X: There's something
I need to tell you.
MALCOLM X: What is it?
GRANT X: They talkin'
'bout killing you.
MALCOLM X: Are you serious?
GRANT X: Yes, Minister.
MALCOLM X: Who
specifically told you that?
GRANT X: Everyone.
The topic of conversation.
But it's feeling like
more than a conversation.
ABERNATHY: Look, either
we've been summoned here so
he can pressure us
to accept watered-down
amendments to
Kennedy's civil rights bill.
KING JR.: If the bill still exists.
ABERNATHY: Whatever it is,
we need to hear him
out because, like it or not,
whoever occupies that
office holds the fate of our
fight against
segregation in their hands.
JOHNSON: I'm the goddamn
Commander and Chief but
Lady Bird tells me she will
put my ass on the couch if
I do not get you to
sign this before you all go.
KING JR.: Well, it'd be
my pleasure, Mr. President.
JOHNSON: Outstanding.
Welcome to the White House.
Won't you please join me?
KING JR.: All right.
JOHNSON: Please. Please. Have a seat.
This nasty business
down in St. Augustine,
the Klan walking the streets
attacking Negros who were,
who were protesting segregation
is awful, is downright awful.
But, Dr. King, you and SCLC,
well, you're pressuring these,
these local sons of
bitches and create a, a,
a biracial committee, well,
now, that's just outstanding.
ABERNATHY: We
appreciate that, Mr. President,
but real change
won't occur unless federal
intervention is made.
KING JR.: Like the civil rights
bill proposed by the President,
former President Kennedy.
Of the great tributes
we can pay his memory,
trying to enact some of the
progressive policies he hoped
to initiate would be
a needed first step.
JOHNSON: I agree with you, Dr. King.
And that is why I'm gonna
pass this bill without a word,
not a comma being changed.
And I am going to do so
just as soon as possible.
KING JR.: From my experience,
"as soon as possible"
is often used as a
scapegoat terminology
to satisfy Negro expectations
while subduing those of
your Washington peers.
As soon as we leave this office,
Strom Thurmond and his
fellow Dixicrats will rally
to kill this bill like so
many others before it.
As soon as possible isn't good enough.
This bill needs to be executed
immediately or our values and
our vision may need to be redirected
come re-election time.
JOHNSON: Well, I
I admire that Texas-sized
set on you, Dr. King.
For a non-violent man,
you damn sure are not
afraid of a good fight.
Passing civil rights in
this political environment
is going to be a war.
KING JR.: When we reach a
crossroads of moral ambiguity,
we must be a little daring,
a little bolder in our actions.
President Kennedy's legacy
is a shining example of that.
Wouldn't you agree, Mr. President?
ABERNATHY: "Our value
and our voices may be moved
in another direction."
Martin, you just
strong-armed the President
in the Oval Office.
KING JR.: Yeah.
I bet he didn't see that coming.
ABERNATHY: He wouldn't
be the only one.
KING JR.: What do you mean?
ABERNATHY: We're on the same team.
Just let me know how far we wanna go.
Pulling our support for
LBJ would be a big move.
KING JR.: Listen, we can't
let complacency hold us back.
Not anymore.
ABERNATHY: I agree, but
we also can't let aggression
push us forward past
the point of no return.
Don't want them calling
you Martin X, do you?
KING JR.: Did we hire a
new custodial service back
at the office?
ABERNATHY: No. Why?
KING JR.: Nothing.
I just thought I saw
something the other night.
THURMOND: They're moving
too freely around this city.
I don't like it.
HOOVER: They?
THURMOND: King and his SCLC
flunkies parading around our
White House as if they run the place.
My warnings have already
gone unheeded since before
the Southern Manifesto
was even drafted.
I have been shouting
it from the hills.
We need to keep these
Negroes and communists out
of our legislative processes.
We're gonna have big problems
if Johnson uses sympathies over
Kennedy's death to get
this civil rights bill passed.
I'm talking a national meltdown.
Now, what do you plan to do about it?
HOOVER: Exactly what I've been doing.
THURMOND: Well, it don't
look like you're doing much
of anything to me.
HOOVER: My eyes and ears
are everywhere, Senator.
Places you wouldn't even imagine.
THURMOND: See, I'm beginning
to question the legitimacy
of that statement.
As I recall, it was me who
identified the communist
affiliations of that pervert,
Bayard Rustin.
Not you.
HOOVER: I know
everything about Rustin.
I know everything about all of them.
THURMOND: At least, I did something.
I'm not gonna stand idly by.
HOOVER: Like your little
filibuster in '57, hmm?
24-hours of talking
and urinating who knows where
and the bill passed anyway.
Senator, when I tell
you it's being handled,
trust my word and leave me to it.
♪
MAN: 3:00 PM. Package received.
KING JR.: I think I'm losing it.
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
What do you mean?
KING JR.: Either I'm seeing
ghosts or I'm paranoid.
Either way,
I can't shake the feeling
that someone's watching me
KING JR. (OVER PHONE):
Hovering over my every move.
CORETTA: I received a package today.
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
There was a letter inside.
KING JR.: From who?
CORETTA: There's no return address.
KING JR.: Well, what did it say?
Coretta, what did it say?
CORETTA: "King
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
In view of your low grade,
abnormal personal behavior,
I will not dignify your name
with either a
Mister or a Reverend or a Doctor.
You know you are a complete
fraud and a great liability
to all of us Negroes.
Like all frauds,
your end is approaching.
CORETTA: You will find yourself
and all your dirt, filth, evil,
and moronic talk exposed
on the record for all time.
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
You are on the record."
KING JR.: Was there
anything else in the package?
CORETTA: Nothing we
can't talk about later.
KING JR.: Well, I
can't wait to see you.
KING JR.: (OVER PHONE): And I love
(RECEIVER SLAMS)
- CLYDE X: Sister Betty.
- BETTY X: Brother Clyde?
CLYDE X: Please, sit with me.
You look a lot better than
the last time I saw you.
I take it Allah has bestowed
his grace and peace upon you.
It pained me to see you so upset.
BETTY X: I'd have been less
upset had I not encountered
members gossiping over matters
which they know nothing about.
It seems protocol is being
disregarded these days.
CLYDE X: There's no place for
gossip in Muhammad's temple.
Who were the offenders?
They'll be dealt swiftly,
I assure you.
BETTY X: While I appreciate it,
I don't need any punishments
dished out on my behalf.
CLYDE X: No, you don't.
And speaking of protocol, Sister.
The next time you wanna relay
something to The Messenger,
please go through the proper channels.
BETTY X: Uh, what
are you talking about?
CLYDE X: Sister Grace is not
a carrier pigeon for messages
regarding your, your husband.
Please act accordingly. Thank you.
- ATTALLAH: Daddy?
- MALCOLM X: Uh-hmm?
ATTALLAH: I thought mommy was coming.
MALCOLM X: Well, she was,
but sometimes things change.
So I guess you're stuck with me.
ATTALLAH: Can we get ice cream?
MALCOLM X: Hmm, well, that depends.
Can you tell me my favorite
color before we get home?
ATTALLAH: Um, blue.
MALCOLM X: How did you know that?
ATTALLAH: I know my
daddy better than anyone.
MALCOLM X: Please
excuse yourself, brother.
Attallah, can you give
me a favor and go and sit
right up on the top step of
the porch, please?
ATTALLAH: Aren't we getting ice cream?
MALCOLM X: Excuse me.
Just do as I say please.
ATTALLAH: Okay.
MALCOLM X: All right. Thank you.
♪
♪
Allah, grant me your protection.
♪
(ENGINE SPUTTERS)
(ENGINE STARTS)
MALCOLM X (OVER TV):
There was a sense of envy
from the other officials
regarding my so-called "fame",
and this was used to
thwart my every move.
And it's my belief that I
will be able to achieve more
on my own.
And while I am still a Muslim
and a follower of Islam,
I will no longer be a member
of the Nation of Islam.
REPORTER (OVER TV):
Brother Malcolm, what will be
your first steps now that
you are officially out of the
Nation of Islam?
MALCOLM X (OVER TV): This month
I will be officially launching
my own Muslim organization,
the Muslim Mosque Incorporated,
as well as the Organization
of African-American Unity.
And each will be designed and
built to bring the authentic
word of Islam and Allah to the people,
bring Black men and
women together in harmony
under the sun of truth.
And I'd be remiss not to
mention that, from here on out,
I plan to join the frontlines
of the civil rights struggle.
REPORTER (OVER TV):
Do you have the credentials
to do such a thing, Mr. Malcolm?
MALCOLM X (OVER TV): My
sincerity are my credentials.
CLYDE X: I wouldn't let
his words trouble you.
Malcolm's reaching
across the aisle for allies
who won't be there to greet him.
He's burned too many bridges
with the civil rights groups.
MUHAMMAD: Maybe.
Despite his insubordination,
Malcolm is a leader.
I wonder if the people
will follow him?
CLYDE X: I do not.
Without the backing of the Nation,
he's essentially an
emperor with no clothes.
JUANITA: My goodness, Coretta,
your speech was tremendous out there.
CORETTA: Well, thank you.
JUANITA: Oh.
- CORETTA: Juanita.
- JUANITA: Hmm?
CORETTA: Have you ever
had doubts about your
marriage with Ralph?
JUANITA: Well, what kind of doubts?
WOMAN: Coretta! Hi.
I just wanna to thank you
for organizing this event.
You're like the First Lady
of the Movement.
The Black Jackie Kennedy. Take care.
- JUANITA: Uh-hmm.
- CORETTA: Bye now.
JUANITA: All right.
Now, about what you were saying.
CORETTA: Oh, it was nothing.
I just get into an
uncomfortable place in my mind
sometimes when Martin's on the road.
JUANITA: Well, I'd be
lying if I said those thoughts
didn't cross my mind
every once in a blue moon.
But our men, they know better.
They're leading a tremendous movement.
Everything they do is
under a microscope.
They're not stupid enough to
risk it all for a night of fun.
CORETTA: You're right.
JUANITA: Uh-hmm.
CORETTA: I was just in
my head about it all.
JUANITA: Aren't we all?
GRANT X: There's at least
30 of us who've cut ties
with the NOI.
We follow your teachings, no one else.
There are others too but they're,
they're too scared
to leave the Nation.
MALCOLM X: I'm optimistic
that people will find us for
the right reasons.
Brother Grant, I'd like
to name you the cofounder of
the Muslim Mosque Incorporated.
GRANT X: Brother Malcolm,
that's, I'm honored.
I won't, I won't disappoint you.
MALCOLM X: I know you won't.
GRANT X: But may I speak plainly?
MALCOLM X: Of course.
GRANT X: This organization
has a potential to do
great things but not if
we are tackling them alone.
Finding allies will not be
without its own obstacles.
Do you have a plan in mind?
MALCOLM X: Yeah, I think I do.
Brother Grant.
- GRANT X: Sister Betty.
- BETTY X: Brother.
Hey, how do you feel
about lamb chops tonight?
MALCOLM X: Yeah. That sounds good.
BETTY X: I have something to tell you.
MALCOLM X: Okay. What is it?
BETTY X: I wrote a letter
to Elijah Muhammad.
I was trying to salvage our
family's reputation and,
and lift your suspension.
I didn't mean to overstep,
but everything feels like it's
slipping away.
I should have told you.
MALCOLM X: And how did he respond?
BETTY X: He didn't.
MALCOLM X: I have something
I need to tell you as well.
Elijah probably didn't respond
because some in the nation want me dead,
and he's making it clear
in every direction.
BETTY X: Malcolm.
MALCOLM X: Betty,
I wouldn't, I wouldn't,
I won't let that happen.
I won't let anything happen
to you or our family.
That's why I'd like
you and the kids to
come to DC with me.
BETTY X: I just
MALCOLM X: I need you
to be close by my side.
BETTY X: I just, I can't believe this.
MALCOLM X: Listen, Betty,
this is our reality now,
whether we like it or not.
I love you.
BETTY X: I love you too.
♪
Ooh ♪
Ooh ♪
Ooh ♪
Ooh ♪
MALCOLM X: Don't answer
the door while I'm gone.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
KING JR.: Don't leave the
room until I come back.
Hey, hey, hey, hey,
hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
They can't see it but I know I'm ♪
Gonna change the world ♪
REPORTER: How do you respond
to Senator Thurmond threatening
to filibuster the civil rights bill?
Yes, I am.
That's right. Yeah. Yeah. ♪
They don't believe it
but I know I'm gonna ♪
Change the world. ♪
Try to change the world. ♪
- MALCOLM X: Reverend.
- KING JR.: Minister.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, ♪
hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. ♪
Ooh. ♪
MALCOLM X: Who do you think
this is going to hurt more,
you or me?
KING JR.: I imagine
it's unlikely to aid
either one of us.
MALCOLM X: Well, then
let's keep them guessing.
KING JR.: Amen to that.
MALCOLM X: All praise to Allah.
Change the world ♪
MALCOLM X: I thought
he'd be taller and thinner.
BETTY X: What did you talk about?
MALCOLM X: Hmm, mostly
small talk with all the
reporters and people around.
But he was funny and, and quick.
I like him.
BETTY X: I had a feeling you would.
MALCOLM X: Well, I never
thought the man was evil,
just misguided.
BETTY X: Maybe if you two
could sit down together,
you could change his mind.
MALCOLM X: Yeah. Maybe.
BETTY X: What's that for?
MALCOLM X: Mecca. Dreaming of Hajj.
[SINGING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE].
MALCOLM X: But there's no time.
So much to do with the organizations.
I'm so tired, Betty.
BETTY X: Do you trust me?
MALCOLM X: Uh-hmm. With my life.
BETTY X: Malcolm,
we're in this together.
How can I help you?
MALCOLM X: I want cleansing
and guidance, frankly,
more than anything.
BETTY X: Then go search for it.
Find it.
CORETTA: So he was charming?
KING JR.: He was.
And skinny.
CORETTA: He looks fleshier
in the photographs.
KING JR.: Yeah.
I imagined him differently.
Especially with all
the things he said,
I thought he'd be more hostile.
CORETTA: Hmm.
KING JR.: But he was very warm, open.
I get the sense that he's ready
to move in a new direction.
Maybe a conversation.
So what are you thinking
about doing tomorrow?
CORETTA: I was just thinking
instead of going to lunch
tomorrow with Bella Abzug,
I should pay the FBI a visit.
Thank Mr. Hoover for
his charming package.
KING JR.: I'd bet he'd be surprised.
CORETTA: Uh-hmm.
The nerve of that man to
think that I would throw away
10 years of marriage,
that I would let him
destroy our family,
the movement over some nonsense.
KING JR.: Well, he greatly
underestimated you.
CORETTA: Yes, he did.
♪
We need to be more careful.
Watch what we say on the phones.
KING JR.: Corrie.
CORETTA: Hmm?
KING JR.: Listen, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that it's come to this.
CORETTA: Me too.
But I knew the job was
dangerous when I took it.
KING JR.: I love you.
CORETTA: I know.
JOHNSON (OVER TV): The
purpose of this law is simple.
JOHNSON: It does not restrict
the freedom of any American,
so long as he respects
the rights of others.
It does not give special
treatment to any citizen.
It does say the only limit to
man's hope for happiness and
JOHNSON (OVER TV): For
the future of his children
shall be his own ability.
JOHNSON: It does say that
those who are equal before God
JOHNSON (OVER TV):
Shall now also be equal in
the polling booths,
in the classrooms, in the factories,
and in hotels, restaurants,
movie theaters,
JOHNSON: And other places that
provide service to the public.
Let us hasten that day when
our unmeasured strength and
our unbounded spirit
will be free to do the
great works ordained for this nation
JOHNSON (OVER TV):
By the just and wise God
who is the Father of us all.
JOHNSON: Thank you and goodnight.
♪
JOHNSON (OVER TV): Dr. King.
KING JR. (OVER TV):
Congratulations, Mr. President.
JOHNSON (OVER TV): Outstanding effort.
KING JR. (OVER TV): Oh, thank you.
JOHNSON (OVER TV): Outstanding effort.
KING JR. (OVER TV): You as well
BYRD: What the hell do you
mean you're switching parties?
THURMOND: The Democratic Party
doesn't represent men
like me anymore.
And with Johnson now
doing the Negroes' bidding,
it's just a matter of time
until he does away with all
traditional voting prerequisites in my
state and yours.
And when he does,
the Democrat's power in
the South will float away
like piss in the wind.
BYRD: And you think the
party of Lincoln is where you,
of all people, can
get that power back?
THURMOND: Not today
or tomorrow but soon,
the Republican party will
come to represent all the values
that make America great.
It just needs a push
in the right direction.
King's followers will see the
passage of this bill as some
kind of watershed moment,
but history is
written by the victors and
this game is only just beginning.
BYRD: Strom.
SECRETARY: Sir, that parcel
arrived for you earlier today.
Can I get you some refreshment?
THURMOND: No, I'm fine.
Thank you.
♪
♪
(PHONE RINGING)
CORETTA: Hello. King residence.
Yes. Dr. King is here.
Oh, my. Just a moment, please.
Okay.
Martin! Martin! Martin.
Martin, wake up.
Someone from the
Associated Press wants to
talk to you on the phone.
Pick it up.
KING JR.: Hello?
Yes. This is Martin.
Good morning to you too.
Really?
My goodness.
Well, I just don't know what to say.
No, thank you.
I thank you very much.
Well, all right.
All right. Thank you so much.
Goodbye.
CORETTA: What is it?
KING JR.: Well, I've just
been named a recipient of
the Nobel Peace Prize.
CORETTA: Martin, do you
know what this means?
Oh, this legitimizes the cause.
It means more allies, more donations.
We can help more people.
KING JR.: And more enemies too.
CORETTA: Martin, you just
won the Nobel Peace Prize.
I demand you be happy about it.
KING JR.: Lord, she's making demands.
CORETTA: Yes, I am.
Be happy. This is wonderful.
KING JR.: Yes. It's glorious.
And I'm happy and I'm
honored and all of that,
but all this greatness is
just a bit overwhelming.
Can we not talk about it right now?
CORETTA: All right.
Well, what do you wanna talk about?
The feeling is real ♪
Something went through me ♪
I never felt like this ♪
KING JR.: Thank you all
for staying a little later
than normal.
And thank you for the champagne.
Coretta and I will be back in a week,
but I know you all will be
in good hands with Ralph.
So I just wanted to say
thank you all for everything
that you've done.
Know that winning this
prize doesn't mean that
the fight is over.
We still have to keep
up the good work.
Everybody get some
safe and I will see you
all soon, all right?
Good to see you.
Hold it down for me, all right?
Listen, all this pomp and
circumstance is gonna get worse
when we get to Oslo.
ABERNATHY: Hmm.
KING JR.: You've been quiet all night.
Not my best photo but I'll
let it slide just this once.
ABERNATHY: That's what you
see when you look at this?
KING JR.: That and I can't
help but notice that I've put
on a few pounds.
ABERNATHY: You know what
I notice when I look at it?
Montgomery, Birmingham, St. Augustine.
All those photos from those campaigns.
KING JR.: Uh-hmm.
ABERNATHY: And in every one of those,
I see me and you, side by side.
But this is the first one I'm not in.
KING JR.: Well, what
was I supposed to do?
Call the King and ask
him to add your name?
ABERNATHY: An acknowledgment
would have been appreciated.
KING JR.: Listen, I
didn't ask for this award.
Yes, shiny things comes
with being in the front but
it also comes with a heavy burden that
you don't want, Ralph.
ABERNATHY: Oh, you think
You think you're
the only one who carries
the burden of what we do?
When your home got bombed
in Montgomery, so did mine.
When you got arrested in
Atlanta and Birmingham and
St. Augustine, I got arrested too.
And every year when you
spend 300-something days
on the road away from
your wife and family,
it's me in the seat next to you.
Now, you may be the face of
this movement, but, damn it,
I'm its legs, arms, and feet!
I love you, Martin,
and I am proud of you.
But I'm not your damn sidekick.
I'm your partner.
And I have been carrying the
burden of this movement every
single day just like you.
Everyone knows this.
Only person who don't is you.
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)
MALCOLM X: Brothers and
sisters and friends,
and I see some enemies.
In fact, I think we'd be
fooling ourselves if we had an
audience this large and
didn't realize that there
were some enemies present.
So, today, we want to talk
about the ballot or the bullet.
Now, the ballot or the
bullet explains itself.
But before we get into it,
since this is the year of the
ballot or the bullet, I would
like to clarify some things
that refer to me personally.
I'm still a Muslim.
That is, my religion is still Islam.
I still thank Mr. Muhammad
for what I know and what I am.
He's the one who opened my eyes.
But that being said, a man,
a human being still can't
turn away from the truth,
no matter how harsh.
Whether you are a Christian
or a Muslim or a nationalist,
we all have the same problem.
They don't hang you
because you're a Baptist.
They hang you 'cause you're Black.
They don't attack me
'cause I'm Muslim.
They attack me 'cause I'm Black.
They attack all of us
for the same reason.
We're all in the same bag,
in the same boat.
We suffer political oppression,
economic exploitation,
and social degradation.
All of them from the same enemy.
So the government has failed us.
The government itself has failed us.
And the White liberals posing
as our friends have failed us.
And once we realize that all
these other sources to which
we've turned has failed,
we stop turning to
them and turn to ourselves.
We need a self-help program,
a do-it-yourself philosophy,
a "do it right now" philosophy,
a "it's already too late" philosophy.
This is what you and
I need to get with.
A self-help program.
A program that starts
with Black Nationalism.
Now I ask, are you ready?
CROWD: Yeah!
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)
Kill the Koch administration. ♪
Gangster renovation. ♪
Born in isolation-ation. ♪
Ill communication-ation. ♪
Ma bell fiber optic
presidential microscopic ♪
soul sonic remedy. ♪
Clinic right industry. ♪
Operating in the dark. ♪
Surgery your wounded heart. ♪
Come together, peel apart. ♪
Peel apart, come together. ♪
Smoking on something good. ♪
Praying for something better. ♪
From out of better
never rockin' for forever ♪
Ever, ever, ever, ever, ever. ♪
Forever ever, ever. ♪
It's still a secret
even when you tell 'em, ♪
dumb dummies. ♪
Hush money. ♪
Rent receipt and drug money.
They cold gutta, want gun money. ♪
The chief rocka, ♪
fuel-injected Zulu horse
propa love boogie. ♪
Bay, bay, bay, bay, bay, bay, ♪
Bay, bay, bay, bay, bay, bay! ♪
BETTY X: Previously on Genius.
ABERNATHY: It appears Brother Malcolm
achieved his goal.
MALCOLM: You should have fought not to
derail our message.
JUANITA: You and
Martin just look so perfect.
THURMOND: Somebody ought
to muzzle that uppity
BETTY X: Hello?
THURMOND: Reverend Martin Luther King.
- CORETTA: They want us scared.
- KING JR.: I am scared.
KING SR.: And it's gonna get worse
REPORTER (OVER RADIO):
President Kennedy died
at 1:00 PM.
KING SR.: Before it gets better.
BETTY X: We are a team
and there should be nothing
that we hold back from each other.
MALCOLM X: You can't mean that
the Honorable Elijah Muhammad
is responsible for this.
BETTY X: Make Elijah
recognize his daughter and
his other children.
MALCOLM X: I allowed myself
to trust you as my father.
MUHAMMAD: You are
suspended from the Nation.
♪
(DOOR OPENS)
DR. TURNER: Brother Malcolm,
I'd be remiss if I didn't admit
it's a pleasure to meet you.
MALCOLM X: You as well, Doctor.
And thank you for your care.
So what's the prognosis?
DR. TURNER: That we will discuss.
MALCOLM X: So is it a
brain tumor or my Ramadan
caffeine withdrawals?
DR. TURNER: It doesn't
appear to be a tumor
but it's more serious than
caffeine withdrawals.
You're under a great
deal of emotional strain.
How long has it been
since your last episode?
MALCOLM X: Three weeks. Maybe four.
Honestly, I couldn't tell you, Doctor.
I'm constantly bombarded
by 1,000 images of my life,
my parents, my family.
The worst part is I can't tell
if they're memories or warnings.
DR. TURNER: Well, that
sounds like something I'm not
equipped to analyze.
I appreciate your honesty, Malcolm.
MALCOLM X: Yeah.
Well, it's something that
my wife is encouraging me
to be transparent about.
Some days are easier than others.
DR. TURNER: I wanna send
your scans to our specialist
for a more accurate analysis.
But, in the meantime,
I strongly suggest you
keep your stress levels low.
♪
- MEMBER: How you doing, brother?
- MEMBER 2: I'm good, brother.
How are you?
- MEMBER: Not well.
- MEMBER 2: What's going on?
MEMBER: Just not
liking what I'm hearing.
MEMBER 2: Yeah. Me either.
MEMBER: I hear a lot of talk.
Talk about chickens
came home to roost.
Brother Malcolm getting a
little bit ahead of himself.
MEMBER 2: Yes, sir.
MEMBER: Plotting on the
Honorable One's throne.
MEMBER 2: Hey, you know,
jealousy is a sin.
Allah will bring him to justice.
MEMBER: I believe he has.
You know, the Minister is
suffering from the same crazy
his mother had.
MEMBER 2: You know,
treason runs in the family too.
Just ask Ella Mae and Reginald.
BETTY X: You should be
ashamed of yourselves.
♪
CLYDE X: Sister?
♪
♪
♪
KING JR.: Hello?
(DOOR OPENS)
(PHONE RINGING)
Hello?
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
Hello? Martin? Martin?
KING JR.: Yes, Corrie. It's me.
CORETTA: You're still there?
You said you would be home hours ago.
KING JR.: Yeah.
I'm just preparing for
our upcoming meeting
with President Johnson.
CORETTA: Okay. Listen, Martin.
I know this means so
much to you but you have been
living out of that office
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
For the past few weeks.
KING JR.: Yeah.
Look, Corrie, I'm sorry.
I'll be home as soon as possible.
KING JR. (OVER PHONE): I promise.
(PHONE LINE CLICKING)
Did you hear that?
CORETTA: Yes.
The phone's acting up again.
The phone company is supposed to send
someone over this week.
CORETTA (OVER PHONE): At
any rate, I'll be gone all day.
CORETTA: And that means
you will have to get Yoki and
Martin III ready
for school, all right?
KING JR.: I will.
KING JR. (OVER PHONE): Yeah,
I'll see you and the kids later
CORETTA: Okay. See you soon. Bye.
KING JR. (OVER PHONE): All right. Bye.
Well, I think I'm
goin' out of my head ♪
Yes, I think I'm
goin' out of my head ♪
Yes, I think I'm
goin' out of my head ♪
Goin' out of my head ♪
KING JR. (OVER SPEAKER): I will
Send the ladies my best, all right?
Over you. Out of my head. ♪
Over you. ♪
Out of my head day and night, ♪
Night and day and night,
wrong or right ♪
♪
KING JR. (OVER SPEAKER): Hello?
CORETTA (OVER SPEAKER):
Hello? Martin? Martin?
KING JR. (OVER SPEAKER):
Yes, Corrie. It's me.
SISTER GRACE: How are you holding up?
BETTY X: I'm managing.
SISTER GRACE: And Minister Malcolm?
BETTY X: As good as one
can be after having the hammer
brought down on him.
SISTER GRACE: I'd be flogged
if anyone heard me say this
but it doesn't seem right the
way his punishment was handled.
BETTY X: It's been tough
to comprehend but Allah will
light the way for us.
SISTER GRACE: Insh'allah.
I'm here for you.
BETTY X: Appreciate it, Grace.
Sadly, I have to get going.
The post office is about to close.
SISTER GRACE: I can take
whatever you have over.
BETTY X: No. No. It's fine. It's fine.
I don't wanna put more on your plate.
SISTER GRACE: Seriously, Betty.
Let me take some off of yours.
The last thing you need to
do is spread yourself thin
especially while expecting.
Oh, come on.
Anyone with eyes can see
those nostrils widening.
(LAUGHTER)
I'll have Brother Clyde
give me a ride over there.
BETTY X: Brother Clyde?
I was not expecting him to
be in the running this long.
SISTER GRACE: He's got a good lead,
but with his schedule,
it's hard to tell if he'll keep it.
BETTY X: I need full
discretion with this.
Please. I don't want anyone meddling.
If there's a chance to
right the wrongs, it's in there.
SISTER GRACE: You
have my word, Sister.
MUHAMMAD: "I look to you,
Most Honorable One,
as you continue to heal,
to forgive Malcolm
and allow him to step back
into our Harlem temple.
Which has felt so isolated
and without purpose."
Sister Betty's words
have certainly not fallen
on deaf ears.
It brings me no comfort
to see her in pain.
CLYDE X: Make no mistake,
this is not your doing.
It is Brother Malcolm's
ambitions that got him and
his family to this point.
MUHAMMAD: I just didn't think
he would stray so far from us.
CLYDE X: When one seeks
desire beyond Allah's grace,
he'll go as far as he believes,
even if it means poisoning others.
MUHAMMAD: And you
know this for certain?
CLYDE X: Allah bears witness.
Malcolm has claimed
your throne as his own.
Moved without your permission.
It's only a matter
of time before he goes
after your followers.
MUHAMMAD: I must admit,
I felt these things
but hope they would pass
during his suspension.
CLYDE X: In my humble observation,
this will only make him
resent you even more.
He wants power, not forgiveness.
MUHAMMAD: The truth you speak,
I cannot ignore.
Brother Clyde, how would
you handle deviation?
BETTY X: You wanna eat?
- SHABAZZ: Okay.
- BETTY X: Yeah.
SHABAZZ: I wanna eat this.
- BETTY X: Don't eat too much now.
- MALCOLM X: Hmm.
Now that better not be the
last of the strawberry.
BETTY X: I know you're
not breaking your fast with
no ice cream.
MALCOLM X: You don't know that.
BETTY X: Okay, girls.
It's time for bed.
Attallah, help me with your sisters.
MALCOLM X: Okay. All right.
You have a good sleep, okay?
- ATTALLAH: Okay.
- MALCOLM X: Okay.
(PHONE RINGING)
(PHONE RINGING)
(PHONE RINGING)
Hello?
(DIAL TONE)
BETTY X: Is that another hang-up call?
Maybe we should disconnect the phone.
MALCOLM X: Then how will all
our friends be able to reach us?
BETTY X: Here.
MALCOLM X: Thank you.
BETTY X: Is everything okay?
MALCOLM X: Yeah.
Just this fast is taking
more of a toll on me than I
anticipated but I'm fine.
BETTY X: How was, how was
your visit with Dr. Turner?
MALCOLM X: It was good.
Just awaiting the results from
the scans but nothing alarming.
And how are you?
How are things at the Temple?
- BETTY X: It's fine.
- MALCOLM X: Okay.
(PHONE RINGING)
(PHONE RINGING)
BETTY X: Hello?
Oh, good evening, Brother.
Uh
MALCOLM X: Who is this?
Salam, Brother Grant.
GRANT X: There's something
I need to tell you.
MALCOLM X: What is it?
GRANT X: They talkin'
'bout killing you.
MALCOLM X: Are you serious?
GRANT X: Yes, Minister.
MALCOLM X: Who
specifically told you that?
GRANT X: Everyone.
The topic of conversation.
But it's feeling like
more than a conversation.
ABERNATHY: Look, either
we've been summoned here so
he can pressure us
to accept watered-down
amendments to
Kennedy's civil rights bill.
KING JR.: If the bill still exists.
ABERNATHY: Whatever it is,
we need to hear him
out because, like it or not,
whoever occupies that
office holds the fate of our
fight against
segregation in their hands.
JOHNSON: I'm the goddamn
Commander and Chief but
Lady Bird tells me she will
put my ass on the couch if
I do not get you to
sign this before you all go.
KING JR.: Well, it'd be
my pleasure, Mr. President.
JOHNSON: Outstanding.
Welcome to the White House.
Won't you please join me?
KING JR.: All right.
JOHNSON: Please. Please. Have a seat.
This nasty business
down in St. Augustine,
the Klan walking the streets
attacking Negros who were,
who were protesting segregation
is awful, is downright awful.
But, Dr. King, you and SCLC,
well, you're pressuring these,
these local sons of
bitches and create a, a,
a biracial committee, well,
now, that's just outstanding.
ABERNATHY: We
appreciate that, Mr. President,
but real change
won't occur unless federal
intervention is made.
KING JR.: Like the civil rights
bill proposed by the President,
former President Kennedy.
Of the great tributes
we can pay his memory,
trying to enact some of the
progressive policies he hoped
to initiate would be
a needed first step.
JOHNSON: I agree with you, Dr. King.
And that is why I'm gonna
pass this bill without a word,
not a comma being changed.
And I am going to do so
just as soon as possible.
KING JR.: From my experience,
"as soon as possible"
is often used as a
scapegoat terminology
to satisfy Negro expectations
while subduing those of
your Washington peers.
As soon as we leave this office,
Strom Thurmond and his
fellow Dixicrats will rally
to kill this bill like so
many others before it.
As soon as possible isn't good enough.
This bill needs to be executed
immediately or our values and
our vision may need to be redirected
come re-election time.
JOHNSON: Well, I
I admire that Texas-sized
set on you, Dr. King.
For a non-violent man,
you damn sure are not
afraid of a good fight.
Passing civil rights in
this political environment
is going to be a war.
KING JR.: When we reach a
crossroads of moral ambiguity,
we must be a little daring,
a little bolder in our actions.
President Kennedy's legacy
is a shining example of that.
Wouldn't you agree, Mr. President?
ABERNATHY: "Our value
and our voices may be moved
in another direction."
Martin, you just
strong-armed the President
in the Oval Office.
KING JR.: Yeah.
I bet he didn't see that coming.
ABERNATHY: He wouldn't
be the only one.
KING JR.: What do you mean?
ABERNATHY: We're on the same team.
Just let me know how far we wanna go.
Pulling our support for
LBJ would be a big move.
KING JR.: Listen, we can't
let complacency hold us back.
Not anymore.
ABERNATHY: I agree, but
we also can't let aggression
push us forward past
the point of no return.
Don't want them calling
you Martin X, do you?
KING JR.: Did we hire a
new custodial service back
at the office?
ABERNATHY: No. Why?
KING JR.: Nothing.
I just thought I saw
something the other night.
THURMOND: They're moving
too freely around this city.
I don't like it.
HOOVER: They?
THURMOND: King and his SCLC
flunkies parading around our
White House as if they run the place.
My warnings have already
gone unheeded since before
the Southern Manifesto
was even drafted.
I have been shouting
it from the hills.
We need to keep these
Negroes and communists out
of our legislative processes.
We're gonna have big problems
if Johnson uses sympathies over
Kennedy's death to get
this civil rights bill passed.
I'm talking a national meltdown.
Now, what do you plan to do about it?
HOOVER: Exactly what I've been doing.
THURMOND: Well, it don't
look like you're doing much
of anything to me.
HOOVER: My eyes and ears
are everywhere, Senator.
Places you wouldn't even imagine.
THURMOND: See, I'm beginning
to question the legitimacy
of that statement.
As I recall, it was me who
identified the communist
affiliations of that pervert,
Bayard Rustin.
Not you.
HOOVER: I know
everything about Rustin.
I know everything about all of them.
THURMOND: At least, I did something.
I'm not gonna stand idly by.
HOOVER: Like your little
filibuster in '57, hmm?
24-hours of talking
and urinating who knows where
and the bill passed anyway.
Senator, when I tell
you it's being handled,
trust my word and leave me to it.
♪
MAN: 3:00 PM. Package received.
KING JR.: I think I'm losing it.
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
What do you mean?
KING JR.: Either I'm seeing
ghosts or I'm paranoid.
Either way,
I can't shake the feeling
that someone's watching me
KING JR. (OVER PHONE):
Hovering over my every move.
CORETTA: I received a package today.
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
There was a letter inside.
KING JR.: From who?
CORETTA: There's no return address.
KING JR.: Well, what did it say?
Coretta, what did it say?
CORETTA: "King
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
In view of your low grade,
abnormal personal behavior,
I will not dignify your name
with either a
Mister or a Reverend or a Doctor.
You know you are a complete
fraud and a great liability
to all of us Negroes.
Like all frauds,
your end is approaching.
CORETTA: You will find yourself
and all your dirt, filth, evil,
and moronic talk exposed
on the record for all time.
CORETTA (OVER PHONE):
You are on the record."
KING JR.: Was there
anything else in the package?
CORETTA: Nothing we
can't talk about later.
KING JR.: Well, I
can't wait to see you.
KING JR.: (OVER PHONE): And I love
(RECEIVER SLAMS)
- CLYDE X: Sister Betty.
- BETTY X: Brother Clyde?
CLYDE X: Please, sit with me.
You look a lot better than
the last time I saw you.
I take it Allah has bestowed
his grace and peace upon you.
It pained me to see you so upset.
BETTY X: I'd have been less
upset had I not encountered
members gossiping over matters
which they know nothing about.
It seems protocol is being
disregarded these days.
CLYDE X: There's no place for
gossip in Muhammad's temple.
Who were the offenders?
They'll be dealt swiftly,
I assure you.
BETTY X: While I appreciate it,
I don't need any punishments
dished out on my behalf.
CLYDE X: No, you don't.
And speaking of protocol, Sister.
The next time you wanna relay
something to The Messenger,
please go through the proper channels.
BETTY X: Uh, what
are you talking about?
CLYDE X: Sister Grace is not
a carrier pigeon for messages
regarding your, your husband.
Please act accordingly. Thank you.
- ATTALLAH: Daddy?
- MALCOLM X: Uh-hmm?
ATTALLAH: I thought mommy was coming.
MALCOLM X: Well, she was,
but sometimes things change.
So I guess you're stuck with me.
ATTALLAH: Can we get ice cream?
MALCOLM X: Hmm, well, that depends.
Can you tell me my favorite
color before we get home?
ATTALLAH: Um, blue.
MALCOLM X: How did you know that?
ATTALLAH: I know my
daddy better than anyone.
MALCOLM X: Please
excuse yourself, brother.
Attallah, can you give
me a favor and go and sit
right up on the top step of
the porch, please?
ATTALLAH: Aren't we getting ice cream?
MALCOLM X: Excuse me.
Just do as I say please.
ATTALLAH: Okay.
MALCOLM X: All right. Thank you.
♪
♪
Allah, grant me your protection.
♪
(ENGINE SPUTTERS)
(ENGINE STARTS)
MALCOLM X (OVER TV):
There was a sense of envy
from the other officials
regarding my so-called "fame",
and this was used to
thwart my every move.
And it's my belief that I
will be able to achieve more
on my own.
And while I am still a Muslim
and a follower of Islam,
I will no longer be a member
of the Nation of Islam.
REPORTER (OVER TV):
Brother Malcolm, what will be
your first steps now that
you are officially out of the
Nation of Islam?
MALCOLM X (OVER TV): This month
I will be officially launching
my own Muslim organization,
the Muslim Mosque Incorporated,
as well as the Organization
of African-American Unity.
And each will be designed and
built to bring the authentic
word of Islam and Allah to the people,
bring Black men and
women together in harmony
under the sun of truth.
And I'd be remiss not to
mention that, from here on out,
I plan to join the frontlines
of the civil rights struggle.
REPORTER (OVER TV):
Do you have the credentials
to do such a thing, Mr. Malcolm?
MALCOLM X (OVER TV): My
sincerity are my credentials.
CLYDE X: I wouldn't let
his words trouble you.
Malcolm's reaching
across the aisle for allies
who won't be there to greet him.
He's burned too many bridges
with the civil rights groups.
MUHAMMAD: Maybe.
Despite his insubordination,
Malcolm is a leader.
I wonder if the people
will follow him?
CLYDE X: I do not.
Without the backing of the Nation,
he's essentially an
emperor with no clothes.
JUANITA: My goodness, Coretta,
your speech was tremendous out there.
CORETTA: Well, thank you.
JUANITA: Oh.
- CORETTA: Juanita.
- JUANITA: Hmm?
CORETTA: Have you ever
had doubts about your
marriage with Ralph?
JUANITA: Well, what kind of doubts?
WOMAN: Coretta! Hi.
I just wanna to thank you
for organizing this event.
You're like the First Lady
of the Movement.
The Black Jackie Kennedy. Take care.
- JUANITA: Uh-hmm.
- CORETTA: Bye now.
JUANITA: All right.
Now, about what you were saying.
CORETTA: Oh, it was nothing.
I just get into an
uncomfortable place in my mind
sometimes when Martin's on the road.
JUANITA: Well, I'd be
lying if I said those thoughts
didn't cross my mind
every once in a blue moon.
But our men, they know better.
They're leading a tremendous movement.
Everything they do is
under a microscope.
They're not stupid enough to
risk it all for a night of fun.
CORETTA: You're right.
JUANITA: Uh-hmm.
CORETTA: I was just in
my head about it all.
JUANITA: Aren't we all?
GRANT X: There's at least
30 of us who've cut ties
with the NOI.
We follow your teachings, no one else.
There are others too but they're,
they're too scared
to leave the Nation.
MALCOLM X: I'm optimistic
that people will find us for
the right reasons.
Brother Grant, I'd like
to name you the cofounder of
the Muslim Mosque Incorporated.
GRANT X: Brother Malcolm,
that's, I'm honored.
I won't, I won't disappoint you.
MALCOLM X: I know you won't.
GRANT X: But may I speak plainly?
MALCOLM X: Of course.
GRANT X: This organization
has a potential to do
great things but not if
we are tackling them alone.
Finding allies will not be
without its own obstacles.
Do you have a plan in mind?
MALCOLM X: Yeah, I think I do.
Brother Grant.
- GRANT X: Sister Betty.
- BETTY X: Brother.
Hey, how do you feel
about lamb chops tonight?
MALCOLM X: Yeah. That sounds good.
BETTY X: I have something to tell you.
MALCOLM X: Okay. What is it?
BETTY X: I wrote a letter
to Elijah Muhammad.
I was trying to salvage our
family's reputation and,
and lift your suspension.
I didn't mean to overstep,
but everything feels like it's
slipping away.
I should have told you.
MALCOLM X: And how did he respond?
BETTY X: He didn't.
MALCOLM X: I have something
I need to tell you as well.
Elijah probably didn't respond
because some in the nation want me dead,
and he's making it clear
in every direction.
BETTY X: Malcolm.
MALCOLM X: Betty,
I wouldn't, I wouldn't,
I won't let that happen.
I won't let anything happen
to you or our family.
That's why I'd like
you and the kids to
come to DC with me.
BETTY X: I just
MALCOLM X: I need you
to be close by my side.
BETTY X: I just, I can't believe this.
MALCOLM X: Listen, Betty,
this is our reality now,
whether we like it or not.
I love you.
BETTY X: I love you too.
♪
Ooh ♪
Ooh ♪
Ooh ♪
Ooh ♪
MALCOLM X: Don't answer
the door while I'm gone.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
KING JR.: Don't leave the
room until I come back.
Hey, hey, hey, hey,
hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪
They can't see it but I know I'm ♪
Gonna change the world ♪
REPORTER: How do you respond
to Senator Thurmond threatening
to filibuster the civil rights bill?
Yes, I am.
That's right. Yeah. Yeah. ♪
They don't believe it
but I know I'm gonna ♪
Change the world. ♪
Try to change the world. ♪
- MALCOLM X: Reverend.
- KING JR.: Minister.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, ♪
hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. ♪
Ooh. ♪
MALCOLM X: Who do you think
this is going to hurt more,
you or me?
KING JR.: I imagine
it's unlikely to aid
either one of us.
MALCOLM X: Well, then
let's keep them guessing.
KING JR.: Amen to that.
MALCOLM X: All praise to Allah.
Change the world ♪
MALCOLM X: I thought
he'd be taller and thinner.
BETTY X: What did you talk about?
MALCOLM X: Hmm, mostly
small talk with all the
reporters and people around.
But he was funny and, and quick.
I like him.
BETTY X: I had a feeling you would.
MALCOLM X: Well, I never
thought the man was evil,
just misguided.
BETTY X: Maybe if you two
could sit down together,
you could change his mind.
MALCOLM X: Yeah. Maybe.
BETTY X: What's that for?
MALCOLM X: Mecca. Dreaming of Hajj.
[SINGING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE].
MALCOLM X: But there's no time.
So much to do with the organizations.
I'm so tired, Betty.
BETTY X: Do you trust me?
MALCOLM X: Uh-hmm. With my life.
BETTY X: Malcolm,
we're in this together.
How can I help you?
MALCOLM X: I want cleansing
and guidance, frankly,
more than anything.
BETTY X: Then go search for it.
Find it.
CORETTA: So he was charming?
KING JR.: He was.
And skinny.
CORETTA: He looks fleshier
in the photographs.
KING JR.: Yeah.
I imagined him differently.
Especially with all
the things he said,
I thought he'd be more hostile.
CORETTA: Hmm.
KING JR.: But he was very warm, open.
I get the sense that he's ready
to move in a new direction.
Maybe a conversation.
So what are you thinking
about doing tomorrow?
CORETTA: I was just thinking
instead of going to lunch
tomorrow with Bella Abzug,
I should pay the FBI a visit.
Thank Mr. Hoover for
his charming package.
KING JR.: I'd bet he'd be surprised.
CORETTA: Uh-hmm.
The nerve of that man to
think that I would throw away
10 years of marriage,
that I would let him
destroy our family,
the movement over some nonsense.
KING JR.: Well, he greatly
underestimated you.
CORETTA: Yes, he did.
♪
We need to be more careful.
Watch what we say on the phones.
KING JR.: Corrie.
CORETTA: Hmm?
KING JR.: Listen, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that it's come to this.
CORETTA: Me too.
But I knew the job was
dangerous when I took it.
KING JR.: I love you.
CORETTA: I know.
JOHNSON (OVER TV): The
purpose of this law is simple.
JOHNSON: It does not restrict
the freedom of any American,
so long as he respects
the rights of others.
It does not give special
treatment to any citizen.
It does say the only limit to
man's hope for happiness and
JOHNSON (OVER TV): For
the future of his children
shall be his own ability.
JOHNSON: It does say that
those who are equal before God
JOHNSON (OVER TV):
Shall now also be equal in
the polling booths,
in the classrooms, in the factories,
and in hotels, restaurants,
movie theaters,
JOHNSON: And other places that
provide service to the public.
Let us hasten that day when
our unmeasured strength and
our unbounded spirit
will be free to do the
great works ordained for this nation
JOHNSON (OVER TV):
By the just and wise God
who is the Father of us all.
JOHNSON: Thank you and goodnight.
♪
JOHNSON (OVER TV): Dr. King.
KING JR. (OVER TV):
Congratulations, Mr. President.
JOHNSON (OVER TV): Outstanding effort.
KING JR. (OVER TV): Oh, thank you.
JOHNSON (OVER TV): Outstanding effort.
KING JR. (OVER TV): You as well
BYRD: What the hell do you
mean you're switching parties?
THURMOND: The Democratic Party
doesn't represent men
like me anymore.
And with Johnson now
doing the Negroes' bidding,
it's just a matter of time
until he does away with all
traditional voting prerequisites in my
state and yours.
And when he does,
the Democrat's power in
the South will float away
like piss in the wind.
BYRD: And you think the
party of Lincoln is where you,
of all people, can
get that power back?
THURMOND: Not today
or tomorrow but soon,
the Republican party will
come to represent all the values
that make America great.
It just needs a push
in the right direction.
King's followers will see the
passage of this bill as some
kind of watershed moment,
but history is
written by the victors and
this game is only just beginning.
BYRD: Strom.
SECRETARY: Sir, that parcel
arrived for you earlier today.
Can I get you some refreshment?
THURMOND: No, I'm fine.
Thank you.
♪
♪
(PHONE RINGING)
CORETTA: Hello. King residence.
Yes. Dr. King is here.
Oh, my. Just a moment, please.
Okay.
Martin! Martin! Martin.
Martin, wake up.
Someone from the
Associated Press wants to
talk to you on the phone.
Pick it up.
KING JR.: Hello?
Yes. This is Martin.
Good morning to you too.
Really?
My goodness.
Well, I just don't know what to say.
No, thank you.
I thank you very much.
Well, all right.
All right. Thank you so much.
Goodbye.
CORETTA: What is it?
KING JR.: Well, I've just
been named a recipient of
the Nobel Peace Prize.
CORETTA: Martin, do you
know what this means?
Oh, this legitimizes the cause.
It means more allies, more donations.
We can help more people.
KING JR.: And more enemies too.
CORETTA: Martin, you just
won the Nobel Peace Prize.
I demand you be happy about it.
KING JR.: Lord, she's making demands.
CORETTA: Yes, I am.
Be happy. This is wonderful.
KING JR.: Yes. It's glorious.
And I'm happy and I'm
honored and all of that,
but all this greatness is
just a bit overwhelming.
Can we not talk about it right now?
CORETTA: All right.
Well, what do you wanna talk about?
The feeling is real ♪
Something went through me ♪
I never felt like this ♪
KING JR.: Thank you all
for staying a little later
than normal.
And thank you for the champagne.
Coretta and I will be back in a week,
but I know you all will be
in good hands with Ralph.
So I just wanted to say
thank you all for everything
that you've done.
Know that winning this
prize doesn't mean that
the fight is over.
We still have to keep
up the good work.
Everybody get some
safe and I will see you
all soon, all right?
Good to see you.
Hold it down for me, all right?
Listen, all this pomp and
circumstance is gonna get worse
when we get to Oslo.
ABERNATHY: Hmm.
KING JR.: You've been quiet all night.
Not my best photo but I'll
let it slide just this once.
ABERNATHY: That's what you
see when you look at this?
KING JR.: That and I can't
help but notice that I've put
on a few pounds.
ABERNATHY: You know what
I notice when I look at it?
Montgomery, Birmingham, St. Augustine.
All those photos from those campaigns.
KING JR.: Uh-hmm.
ABERNATHY: And in every one of those,
I see me and you, side by side.
But this is the first one I'm not in.
KING JR.: Well, what
was I supposed to do?
Call the King and ask
him to add your name?
ABERNATHY: An acknowledgment
would have been appreciated.
KING JR.: Listen, I
didn't ask for this award.
Yes, shiny things comes
with being in the front but
it also comes with a heavy burden that
you don't want, Ralph.
ABERNATHY: Oh, you think
You think you're
the only one who carries
the burden of what we do?
When your home got bombed
in Montgomery, so did mine.
When you got arrested in
Atlanta and Birmingham and
St. Augustine, I got arrested too.
And every year when you
spend 300-something days
on the road away from
your wife and family,
it's me in the seat next to you.
Now, you may be the face of
this movement, but, damn it,
I'm its legs, arms, and feet!
I love you, Martin,
and I am proud of you.
But I'm not your damn sidekick.
I'm your partner.
And I have been carrying the
burden of this movement every
single day just like you.
Everyone knows this.
Only person who don't is you.
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERS)
MALCOLM X: Brothers and
sisters and friends,
and I see some enemies.
In fact, I think we'd be
fooling ourselves if we had an
audience this large and
didn't realize that there
were some enemies present.
So, today, we want to talk
about the ballot or the bullet.
Now, the ballot or the
bullet explains itself.
But before we get into it,
since this is the year of the
ballot or the bullet, I would
like to clarify some things
that refer to me personally.
I'm still a Muslim.
That is, my religion is still Islam.
I still thank Mr. Muhammad
for what I know and what I am.
He's the one who opened my eyes.
But that being said, a man,
a human being still can't
turn away from the truth,
no matter how harsh.
Whether you are a Christian
or a Muslim or a nationalist,
we all have the same problem.
They don't hang you
because you're a Baptist.
They hang you 'cause you're Black.
They don't attack me
'cause I'm Muslim.
They attack me 'cause I'm Black.
They attack all of us
for the same reason.
We're all in the same bag,
in the same boat.
We suffer political oppression,
economic exploitation,
and social degradation.
All of them from the same enemy.
So the government has failed us.
The government itself has failed us.
And the White liberals posing
as our friends have failed us.
And once we realize that all
these other sources to which
we've turned has failed,
we stop turning to
them and turn to ourselves.
We need a self-help program,
a do-it-yourself philosophy,
a "do it right now" philosophy,
a "it's already too late" philosophy.
This is what you and
I need to get with.
A self-help program.
A program that starts
with Black Nationalism.
Now I ask, are you ready?
CROWD: Yeah!
(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)
Kill the Koch administration. ♪
Gangster renovation. ♪
Born in isolation-ation. ♪
Ill communication-ation. ♪
Ma bell fiber optic
presidential microscopic ♪
soul sonic remedy. ♪
Clinic right industry. ♪
Operating in the dark. ♪
Surgery your wounded heart. ♪
Come together, peel apart. ♪
Peel apart, come together. ♪
Smoking on something good. ♪
Praying for something better. ♪
From out of better
never rockin' for forever ♪
Ever, ever, ever, ever, ever. ♪
Forever ever, ever. ♪
It's still a secret
even when you tell 'em, ♪
dumb dummies. ♪
Hush money. ♪
Rent receipt and drug money.
They cold gutta, want gun money. ♪
The chief rocka, ♪
fuel-injected Zulu horse
propa love boogie. ♪
Bay, bay, bay, bay, bay, bay, ♪
Bay, bay, bay, bay, bay, bay! ♪