The significance of grassroots movements for civil rights lies in their role as a catalyst for systemic change. These movements mobilized ordinary citizens, empowering them to advocate for legal reforms and challenge institutional discrimination. By emphasizing local organization and community engagement, they created a sense of collective identity and urgency that reverberated on a national level. Key events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, illustrated the impact of grassroots activism. These frameworks not only shaped public opinion but also resulted in landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, marking substantial progress towards equality.