The famous civil rights leader who advocated for peaceful protests was Martin Luther King Jr. He played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. King is best known for his use of nonviolent civil disobedience as a means to confront racial discrimination and injustice. His leadership during crucial events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, exemplified his commitment to peaceful resistance. King's work was instrumental in advancing civil rights legislation and inspiring future generations of activists.