Which civil rights leader is known for advocating nonviolent protest?

Martin Luther King Jr. is widely recognized for his commitment to nonviolent protest as a means to achieve civil rights and social justice. He was significantly influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, which emphasized peaceful resistance as a powerful tool for social change. King believed that nonviolence was not only a strategic approach to confront racial segregation and discrimination but also a moral imperative. He led numerous peaceful demonstrations, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Through these actions, King aimed to inspire change without resorting to violence, advocating for love and understanding among all people. This philosophy became a cornerstone of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s and significantly shaped the broader discourse on civil rights in America.

While other figures in the civil rights movement, such as Rosa Parks, played crucial roles, it was King who became the most prominent face of nonviolent activism. The focus on peaceful protest distinguishes King from leaders who endorsed more confrontational strategies.