The influential civil rights activist known for advocating for social justice and equality is Martin Luther King Jr.. He emerged as a prominent leader during the Civil Rights Movement, championing nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience to combat racial injustice. His famous I Have a Dream speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, called for an integrated society and emphasized the importance of equality. King’s efforts contributed significantly to the passing of key legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, solidifying his legacy as a symbol of the struggle for civil rights.