The famous civil rights leader who advocated for nonviolent protest was Martin Luther King Jr. He was a central figure in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 60s, known for his commitment to achieving racial equality through peaceful means. King emphasized love and nonviolence, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. His leadership in events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, made significant strides in raising awareness of racial injustice and mobilizing public support for civil rights legislation, ultimately leading to transformative changes in American society.