Who is most associated with non-violence during the Civil Rights Movement?

Martin Luther King Jr. is most associated with non-violence during the Civil Rights Movement due to his strong belief in and advocacy for peaceful protest as a means to achieve social change. Influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, King emphasized the importance of love, understanding, and non-violent resistance in the struggle for civil rights. His leadership during key events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, demonstrated his commitment to achieving equality through peaceful means. King's philosophy resonated deeply with many activists and contributed significantly to the Civil Rights Movement's successes in the 1960s, including landmark legislation against racial discrimination.

While other figures in the movement, such as Rosa Parks and John Lewis, played crucial roles, they were not solely defined by the principle of non-violence. Parks is celebrated for her pivotal act of defiance that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, while Lewis, known for his leadership in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), also experienced violent confrontations during protests. In contrast, King's emphasis on non-violent resistance remains a defining characteristic of his legacy in the Civil Rights Movement.