The famous leader known for his speeches and role in the American civil rights movement was Martin Luther King Jr. He emerged as a pivotal figure in the 1950s and 1960s, advocating for nonviolent resistance to combat racial inequality and injustice in the United States. King's eloquent speeches, most notably his "I Have a Dream" address delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, resonated deeply with people and played a crucial role in galvanizing public support for civil rights reforms. His leadership and moral vision helped to advance the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, cementing his legacy as a symbol of the struggle for equality.