Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent civil rights leader known for his significant role in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s. His advocacy for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience was inspired by his Christian beliefs and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. King is best remembered for his efforts to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States through peaceful protest. His leadership in events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, solidified his status as a pivotal figure in the struggle for civil rights.

Other choices, while potentially related to his broader influence, do not capture his primary identity and most significant contributions. Although King was involved in political activism and could be considered an author for his writings and speeches that articulated civil rights issues, his legacy is most directly tied to his role as a civil rights leader. He did not have a military background, which eliminates the possibility of him being classified as a military leader.