- Full-Time Activist: In 1957, King took a major step in his activism when he co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and became its first president. The SCLC played a crucial role in organizing and leading nonviolent protests, civil disobedience campaigns, and other actions to challenge racial segregation and discrimination.
- Civil Rights Campaigns: King led numerous successful campaigns, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-56), which gained national attention for the civil rights movement. In 1963, he organized and delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
- Advocating Nonviolence: King advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as the primary means of achieving social change. He was deeply inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth force).
- Political Influence: King's work had a profound impact on American society and politics. He played a key role in the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to end legal discrimination and ensure equal rights for African Americans.
- Global Symbol of Justice: King's influence transcended national borders, and he became a global symbol of justice, peace, and equality. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his efforts to combat racial inequality through nonviolent means.