The famous civil rights leader known for his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, the speech articulated King's vision of a racially integrated and harmonious America. It became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement, highlighting the struggle against racism and advocating for equality and justice. Dr. King's powerful rhetoric and commitment to nonviolent protest inspired future generations and significantly influenced the passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960s, making him a symbol of the fight for social justice.