An influential figure advocating for social justice in the 20th century was Martin Luther King Jr. He emerged as a leader in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, championing nonviolent protest to combat racial segregation and discrimination. King's advocacy for equality led to landmark events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His dedication to justice and human rights, coupled with his charisma, made him a symbol of the struggle for civil rights, influencing movements worldwide.