Martin Luther King Jr. was famous for being a leader of the American civil rights movement, advocating for equal rights for African Americans through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. He led key events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Birmingham campaign, and the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. He played a pivotal role in achieving major civil rights legislative victories such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his efforts to combat racial inequality peacefully. His philosophy of nonviolence and powerful speeches left a lasting impact on civil rights and social justice worldwide.