Martin Luther King Jr. is often associated with the civil rights movement, emerging as a prominent leader advocating for racial equality and social justice during the 1950s and 1960s. His commitment to nonviolent protest and civil disobedience was demonstrated through key events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. King founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to coordinate nationwide efforts for desegregation and voting rights. His influence continues to resonate, symbolizing the struggle against systemic racism and inspiring future generations to pursue social justice through peaceful means.