Political activism heats up in Poplar Bluff with No Kings protest and Be Heard Missouri town hall

Poplar Bluff can expect a surge in political activity this Saturday with a local iteration of the national No Kings protest as well as a town hall for Be Heard Missouri, organized by the Butler County Democrats. It also comes as Butler County Republicans have planned a Trump Train celebration, to include contingencies from multiple area counties.

The No Kings movement was founded by political activists Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin as part of their Indivisible 501(c)(4) nonprofit.

Protests against President Donald Trump’s administration policy platform are planned nationwide for Saturday in nearly every city, including in Poplar Bluff. The local organizer is Josh Rideout.

The event is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. at 101 N. Main St.

According to the movement’s information page on mobilize.us, “A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action.”

Starting at 2 p.m. at the historic Wheatley School, Be Heard Missouri will seek to educate residents on the political landscape. According to Butler County Democrats Chairwoman Jean Cross, the organization was founded by former Missouri gubernatorial candidate Crystal Quade.

“It’s a new organization in Missouri,” Cross explained. “Their main goal is education of voters.”

She elaborated Be Heard’s three-part mission of town halls, education and advice on curating successful candidates.

While the town hall and the protest coincide on the same day, Cross said the two were independently organized and are not related. She added some members of the Butler County Democrats may be in attendance, but many will also be at this weekend’s Pride event.

“It’s a busy day,” Cross stated.

Republicans will host their event at Patriot Point, on Poplar Bluff’s northside. The groups’ plan to meet at 12:15 p.m., drive through Poplar Bluff and return for a celebration. For more on this event, see earlier coverage at www.darnews.com.