The prominent civil rights leader known for their impact on public policy is Martin Luther King Jr.. He played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, advocating for racial equality through nonviolent protest and compelling oratory. King's leadership in significant events, such as the March on Washington and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, helped bring attention to injustices faced by African Americans. His legacy includes influencing legislative changes, particularly the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.