The leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1960s was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He emerged as a prominent leader advocating for nonviolent resistance to racial segregation and discrimination. King's philosophy was deeply rooted in the principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience, inspired by figures like Mahatma Gandhi. His leadership in pivotal events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, culminated in his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. King's efforts were instrumental in bringing national attention to civil rights issues, ultimately contributing to the passage of significant legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.