Final answer:
Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader of the SCLC who believed in non-violent civil disobedience, delivering the 'I have a dream' speech. His approach to civil rights was inspired by Gandhi and came to define the movement, leading to significant protests such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Option 1
Step-by-step explanation:
The leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) who believed in non-violent civil disobedience and delivered the iconic 'I have a dream' speech was Martin Luther King Jr. King's commitment to non-violence was deeply influenced by the teachings and practices of Mahatma Gandhi, Henry David Thoreau, and A. Philip Randolph.
This commitment to peace was at the core of the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which led to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that racially segregated seating on buses was unconstitutional.
During prominent civil rights campaigns, such as the Birmingham campaign of 1963, King's leadership and advocacy for peaceful protest were met with violence from authorities, gaining worldwide attention.
Despite the aggressive responses, these demonstrations showcased the inhumanity of Jim Crow laws and garnered support for the cause. King's 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail' further articulated the urgent need for civil rights and an end to racial injustice.
The strategies of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience were also reflective of similar actions by other leaders like Mohandas Gandhi. Activists used tactics such as rallies, sit-ins, marches, petitions, and boycotts to effect positive change. This peaceful method of protest had historical precedents and proved to be powerful in advancing the Civil Rights Movement. Option 1