Hundreds turned out to listen and learn as speakers stood on the Guildhall’s steps to share their personal experiences of racism, as well as ideas on how society should tackle it.
Tomorrow [Saturday, June 27] will see a second Black Lives Matter protest march from the square to Southsea Common. It will run from midday until 4pm.
Ahead of that event, we’re sharing pictures taken by amateur photographers at the previous demonstration – alongside their words on the event as it unfolded.
You can see our own photographer's pictures of the event here.
!['[This is] the biggest civil rights movement in history - something that will build the foundations for equality in humanity.'](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmVjYmZhMjA0LWE0YmMtNGM3Zi05ZTI2LWIyZDQ3ZGVlMDg3Mzo5OWFhNGViNS1lZmY0LTQyNzgtYmQ4Mi0yZWExYmI0NDlhNzk=.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=640)
1. In photos: Portsmouth's BLM protest on June 4, 2020
'[This is] the biggest civil rights movement in history - something that will build the foundations for equality in humanity.' Photo: Jamie O'Neill (@JoneillJ)
2. In photos: Portsmouth's BLM protest on June 4, 2020
'Seeing the crowd majority - my generation - brings hope to the generations to come, to stand for what's right.' Photo: Jamie O'Neill (@JoneillJ)
3. In photos: Portsmouth's BLM protest on June 4, 2020
‘Recognise your privilege’ Photo: Casey Mabena (@C.Mabena)
4. In photos: Portsmouth's BLM protest on June 4, 2020
'The future belongs to those who prepare for it today' - Malcolm X Photo: Casey Mabena (@C.Mabena)