The prominent civil rights leader who advocated for peaceful protests was Martin Luther King Jr. King was a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He believed that peaceful protests could effectively challenge systemic racism and segregation in the United States. King's leadership during key events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, galvanized the movement. His commitment to civil disobedience and moral integrity profoundly impacted American society and led to significant advancements in civil rights legislation.