The prominent civil rights leader known for his use of nonviolent protest was Martin Luther King Jr. He played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, advocating for racial equality and justice through peaceful demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, King led initiatives such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His leadership and commitment to nonviolence not only galvanized public support against racial segregation and discrimination but also left an enduring legacy on civil rights movements worldwide.