The prominent leader associated with the civil rights movement is Martin Luther King Jr. He emerged as a pivotal figure during the 1950s and 1960s, advocating for nonviolent protest and civil disobedience to combat racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. His leadership during significant events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, solidified his role in the movement. King's efforts were instrumental in pushing for legislative changes, culminating in landmark achievements like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, promoting racial equality in the United States.