10 inspirational and groundbreaking Civil Rights leaders

Today is the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act, a major victory for leaders and activists of the Civil Rights movement during the 1960s.. The act wasn't the sole victory of one particular speech or one action, it was the collective will, struggle and triumph of dedicated men and women who wanted to see a change in their world. Here are 10 inspirational Civil Rights leaders.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Often the face of the Civil Rights movement, MLK employed methods of civil disobedience to advance his causes.. His "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most powerful and moving public speaking displays of all time. Eloquent but fierce, MLK's mighty oratorial abilities made him one of the most important cogs in the Civil Rights machine.

Rosa Parks

It seems like a relatively simple action, refusing to give up one's seat on the bus. But what Rosa Parks was doing was far more calculated and important, an act of peaceful disobedience that served as an iconic symbol for Civil Rights groups. Parks would go on to serve in multiple administrative capacities later in her life, but she'll best be known for that small but immensely powerful decision to say no.

Malcolm X

While Martin Luther King Jr. preached a method of non-violent disobedience, Malcolm X was far more radical and violent in his methods. Malcolm X was a heavy advocate of black supremacy and actually was pro-segregation, believing the attempts at integration to be a futile endeavor. X is one of the most iconic and divisive leaders of the era.

Ella Baker

Her name may seem unfamiliar when compared with the likes of MLK and Rosa Parks, but don't think that Ella Baker wasn't instrumental in making the Civil Rights movement come to life. Baker promoted grass root efforts within the NAACP, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and other prominent organizations at that time. Baker didn't so much believe in following strong leaders so much as building strong organizations.

W.E.B. Du Bois

Du Bois died before the Civil Rights Act was signed, but his life's accomplishments were still very much alive in 1964. Du Bois was one of the founders of the NAACP, and published many influential pieces of literature throughout his life. An academic and historian, Du Bois advocated for advanced education for African Americans and inspired many through his prominent published works.

Stokeley Carmichael

Some of the most effective groups during the Civil Rights Movement were those on college campuses, and one of the most prominent student leaders was Stokeley Carmichael. Carmichael rose through the ranks of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, or SNCC. Carmichael was also an instrumental leader in the Black Panther party, bringing the iconic phrase "Black Power" to national recognition.

Nelson Mandela

He served 23 years of his life in prison, but that didn't stop Mandela from becoming one of the most prominent civil rights and peace activists in history. He was instrumental in ending the South African Apartheid, and has served as a symbol of hope and perseveance to the South African nation and globe.

Cesar Chavez

One of the most cherished figures in the Hispanic community, Chavez utilized non-violent tactics when advocating for labor rights. Chavez utilized his PR and public speaking skills to bring the issue of field worker rights to nationwide attention.

Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi is the global icon of non-violent protest. His civil disobedience methods were instrumental in achieving independence for India from Britain, Often known as the Father of the Nation by India natives, Gandhi's non-violent protests have served as an inspiration to countless across the world.

Susan B. Anthony

Anthony's plea for woman's suffrage was criticizedn as an attack on the institution of marriage during her time. But Anthony persevered, becoming one of the leading female leaders in government while serving as a major component in earning women the right to vote.