Who was the leader of the civil rights movement in the 1960s?

Martin Luther King Jr. is widely recognized as the leader of the civil rights movement in the 1960s due to his pivotal role in advocating for nonviolent protest and civil disobedience as means to combat racial segregation and discrimination. His leadership was marked by significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, and his involvement in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

King's philosophy of nonviolence was inspired by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and was essential in mobilizing a diverse coalition of individuals across the nation in support of civil rights legislation. His efforts helped lead to the passage of significant laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to dismantle systemic racism and ensure equal rights for African Americans. Thus, his leadership and vision shaped the trajectory of the civil rights movement, making him a central figure in American history during this transformative period.