The individual who played a crucial role in the advancement of civil rights through nonviolent protest was Martin Luther King Jr.. He became a prominent leader in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, advocating for racial equality through peaceful demonstrations, notably the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. King's philosophy was rooted in the teachings of Gandhi, emphasizing love and justice as tools for social change. His iconic "I Have a Dream" speech remains a hallmark of his legacy, inspiring future generations to continue the struggle for civil rights and human dignity.