The influential civil rights leader known for advocating for economic justice was Martin Luther King Jr.. While he is widely recognized for his role in the civil rights movement, advocating for racial equality through nonviolent resistance and public demonstrations, he also emphasized the importance of economic justice. In his later years, King shifted his focus towards linking civil rights with economic inequality, particularly through initiatives like the Poverty Campaign and the march on Washington for jobs and freedom. His vision extended beyond racial boundaries, striving for justice and prosperity for all marginalized communities.