What did Martin Luther King Jr. do?

Martin Luther King Jr. is primarily known for his pivotal role in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. He advocated for the rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent resistance to achieve social change. His commitment to peaceful protest is exemplified in significant events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. King’s approach was deeply influenced by the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, reinforcing the idea that nonviolent action could effectively confront and dismantle systemic racism and injustice. His leadership and ability to rally support for civil rights legislation ultimately led to significant policy changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, making his contributions critical to the advancement of equality in the United States.