Who was the prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s?

• A. Malcolm X
• B. Martin Luther King Jr.
• C. Rosa Parks
• D. Frederick Douglass

Answer: (B)

Martin Luther King Jr. is widely recognized as the prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s due to his pivotal role in advocating for nonviolent protest and civil disobedience as a means to achieve racial equality. His leadership was marked by significant events such as the March on Washington in 1963, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, articulating a vision of a racially integrated and harmonious America.

King was also instrumental in organizing efforts that led to landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His philosophy was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of nonviolence, which he believed would effectively challenge systemic racism while fostering understanding and compassion among all people.

In contrast, while individuals like Malcolm X and Rosa Parks played critical roles in the Civil Rights Movement, their contributions were different in nature. Malcolm X advocated for a more militant approach and was a vocal supporter of Black nationalism, which contrasted with King's nonviolent stance. Rosa Parks is celebrated for her courageous act of defiance that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott but was primarily active in a grassroots capacity rather than as a nationwide leader. Frederick Douglass, although a fierce advocate for