Who was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement that advocated nonviolent resistance?

The leader of the Civil Rights Movement who famously advocated for nonviolent resistance was Martin Luther King Jr. He was deeply influenced by the principles of nonviolent civil disobedience, which he derived from Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. King believed that love and understanding were powerful tools in the struggle for civil rights and that achieving social change should be pursued without resorting to violence.

King's approach was evident in pivotal events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. By promoting peaceful demonstrations, sit-ins, and marches, King sought to highlight the injustice faced by African Americans while maintaining a moral high ground that garnered sympathy from a broader audience, including those outside of the African American community. His leadership was instrumental in achieving significant legislative changes, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to eliminate racial discrimination and ensure voting rights for African Americans.

On the other hand, Malcolm X held a different perspective on achieving racial equality, often advocating for more militant methods to combat racial oppression. Rosa Parks is celebrated for her courageous act of defiance that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott but was not a primary leader of the movement