The famous leader of the civil rights movement advocating nonviolent protest was Martin Luther King Jr.. He championed the principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience, drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful resistance. King’s leadership during pivotal events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, highlighted the struggle for racial equality and justice in America. His "I Have a Dream" speech remains iconic, encapsulating the aspirations of the movement. King’s legacy continues to inspire efforts toward social justice and equality today.