Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader of the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. He emerged as a pivotal figure advocating for racial equality through nonviolent protest and civil disobedience, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. Through his leadership, organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) spearheaded significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where King delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His emphasis on justice and love left an indelible mark on American history, inspiring future generations in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.