There will always be very specific people remembered in history because to tell a story and its "lessons" you HAVE TO flatten the story into something that can be relayed to others. So you will always pick out the dominant people and themes as creating a tome of responsible parties becomes impossible for the average human to remember, let along share and communicate. That is a necessary requirement in passing narrative down - ensuring that the core message remains intact and can be clearly communicated and remembered.

Most people can't recant much about the civil rights movement, but if they hear "I have a dream" they know precisely what you're referring to.