The movement that sought to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States is commonly known as the Civil Rights Movement. This pivotal struggle, which gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, sought to secure equal rights and opportunities for African Americans and dismantle systemic racism. Key figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X were instrumental in leading protests, boycotts, and marches, particularly the famous 1963 March on Washington. Landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, resulted from these efforts, marking significant progress toward racial equality.