Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. He was a Baptist minister and a key figure in advancing civil rights through nonviolent protests and civil disobedience. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, is one of the most iconic speeches in American history.

King advocated for racial equality and justice, leading important protests and campaigns such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-1956 and the Birmingham campaign in 1963. He was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to end racial segregation and secure voting rights for African Americans.

Sadly, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. His legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and advocates for civil rights and social justice. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his tireless efforts in the fight against racial inequality and discrimination.