The American civil rights leader who delivered the famous speech "The Ballot or the Bullet" is Malcolm X. This speech, delivered in 1964, emphasized the importance of voting as a means of achieving civil rights and social justice for African Americans. Malcolm X advocated for self-determination and empowerment, arguing that if African Americans were denied their rights, they could resort to self-defense. The speech became a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, reflecting Malcolm’s evolving philosophy and his call for active resistance against systemic oppression, leaving a profound impact on activism.