The famous peace activist during the civil rights movement was Martin Luther King Jr. He advocated for nonviolent resistance to combat racial injustice and discrimination in America during the 1950s and 1960s. King’s dedication to civil rights was exemplified in his leadership of major events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. His philosophy was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence. King's efforts were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.