The advocate for civil rights in the United States, often associated with nonviolent protest, is Martin Luther King Jr.. He championed the struggle for racial equality through peaceful demonstrations and powerful speeches, emphasizing the importance of love and understanding. His leadership during significant events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, galvanized public support for civil rights legislation. King's philosophy was influenced by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, and he remains a symbol of the fight against racial segregation and injustice, advocating for a society based on mutual respect and equality.