Final answer:
Martin Luther King Jr. saw himself as a leader, advocating for peace and justice through nonviolent means, shaped by influences like Gandhi. He led the Civil Rights Movement with the SCLC, aiming for racial harmony and social reform. Despite challenges, his legacy as a proponent of peace continues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. certainly saw himself as a leader for peace and justice. In his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, he advocated for nonviolence and racial harmony, a sentiment that was a cornerstone throughout his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. Even when facing the pressure of militancy from some corners of the movement, Dr. King remained steadfast in his commitment to nonviolent protest, inspired by figures like Mohandas Gandhi and A. Philip Randolph.
King's role within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the wider movement was to champion a form of protest that would not resort to violence but would instead use 'soul force' to advocate for change. This was evident through successful actions like the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which became a symbol of the efficacy of peaceful protests. His strategy aimed to bring together people of all races to end racial injustice, standing on the principles of equal rights and social reform.
After his assassination on April 4, 1968, Dr. King's vision of a peaceful multiracial effort against injustice was challenged, yet his legacy as a drum major for peace and justice continues to inspire many in the quest for social equity and reform, embodying the deep-rooted desire for a society structured around nonviolence and equal opportunity for all.