The historical figure most known for leading the civil rights movement in the United States is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He emerged as a prominent leader during the late 1950s and 1960s, advocating for racial equality and nonviolent protest. His efforts were instrumental in the fight against racial segregation and discrimination, culminating in significant legislative achievements such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Dr. King’s famous "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington remains a pivotal moment in American history and continues to inspire movements for justice and equality.