Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., born January 15, 1929, and assassinated April 4, 1968, was a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement. Known for his advocacy of nonviolent protest, King played a crucial role in challenging racial segregation and injustice through campaigns such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. His efforts were instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King’s leadership and eloquence made him a symbol of the struggle for equality, and his legacy continues to inspire movements for social justice worldwide.