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.
9. In photos: Portsmouth's BLM protest on June 4, 2020
‘Seeing Portsmouth rise up together and support Black Lives Matter was an emotional moment for me. It really gives me hope.' Photo: Lennie Huynh (@ LDAHuynh)
10. In photos: Portsmouth's BLM protest on June 4, 2020
'#BLM' Photo: Lennie Huynh (@LDAHuynh)
11. In photos: Portsmouth's BLM protest on June 4, 2020
'A child shouldn’t be holding that, they should be out enjoying the world, learning new things. But they are fighting for something that matters the most to them.' Photo: Muhib Ahmed (@_MAvisuals_)
12. In photos: Portsmouth's BLM protest on June 4, 2020
The protest was so powerful as we all got to hear a lot of people’s stories and how racial discrimination has affected their lives.' Photo: Muhib Ahmed (@ _MAvisuals_)