The iconic civil rights leader who encouraged nonviolent protest was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He advocated for civil rights using principles derived from Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance. Through peaceful demonstrations, sit-ins, and mass protests, King aimed to challenge racial segregation and discrimination, particularly in the Southern United States. His leadership during pivotal events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, galvanized the movement and inspired millions. King’s commitment to nonviolence and justice continues to influence activists worldwide today.