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COMMENTARY: So I finally got ahold of a Popeyes Chicken Sandwich . . .

NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER — Earlier this week, I wrote about the mass extinction of the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich— story is on newsstands and was published here at TSDMemphis.com yesterday. The latest twist on this phenomenon involves a Chattanooga man who is suing Popeyes for $5,000 for running out of the sandwiches.

Published

5 years ago

September 4, 2019

Oakland Post

TSDs Lee Eric Smith took a "sandwich selfie" before sampling the Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Popeyes. (Photo by: Lee Eric Smith)

After five hunting excursions, TSD staffer finds “rare bird” at Popeyes on Union Ave.

By Lee Eric Smith

Earlier this week, I wrote about the mass extinction of the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich— story is on newsstands and was published here at TSDMemphis.com yesterday.

The latest twist on this phenomenon involves a Chattanooga man who is suing Popeyes for $5,000 for running out of the sandwiches.

“I can’t get happy; I have this sandwich on my mind. I can’t think straight,” he told the Times Free Press on Thursday. “It just consumes you.”

He complained of being scammed by a guy on Craigslist, of car damage from his rolling hunt for the sandwich. He says he was ridiculed by his friends for driving around looking for a darn sandwich. Having hit Popeyes on three separate occasions, I was in no place to judge.

So I was shocked – SHOCKED, I TELL YOU – when I learned that a buddy of mine had tried one for the first time the same day – from the Popeyes on Union Avenue. After all, Popeyes had gone to the trouble of putting together a Twitter highlight reel and announcing the sandwich had sold through a supply meant to last through September.

HOW IN THE HELL DID MY BUDDY GET ONE? Well, in his case, his wife picked him up one on the way home, that’s how. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It was the old double-clutch anti-reverse fakeout.

By announcing that the sandwich had sold out, people stopped lining up at Popeyes to get them — and with fewer people in line demanding the sandwich . . . surprise! You might actually luck out and get one! (Or, in my case, TWO — more on that in a moment).

Just for kicks last night, I swung by the Popeyes on Union on my way home from his place. Who knows, right? I pulled up to see two staffers outside, and I sheepishly asked them the question they’ve come to dread. Worked out, because they gave me the answer I’d come to dread: “We out of chicken sandwiches.”

As I slowly pulled away, I heard one of the workers save the day, though: “We’ll have some more tomorrow,” she said, almost apologetically.

As I pulled away, I wondered if it was true, or if it was just something Popeyes told their employees to say. There was only one way to find out.

I figured that if there was a chance to get one of the sandwiches, it would need to be fairly early in the day. And going by the Popeyes on Union isn’t exactly out of the way on my way to work. I decided to make my fifth attempt at trying this sandwich phenomenon. I’mma even sit down in the restaurant to do it!

The line inside the restaurant was full, but not unwieldy — the kind of busy you might see on any other Friday lunch crunch. People were politely ordering, and my eyes locked on the stainless steel countertop where they stuff bags: “Those sure look like sandwich envelopes bag thingys,” I said to myself.

Even as a few people ahead of me were all ordering the sandwich, I was skeptical. I’ve had enough Charlie Brown experiences to know that just like Lucy snatches the football away from my beleaguered hero, I could conceivably get to the counter and learn they’re out again.

“Welcome to Popeyes, may I take your order?” she said.

“Let me get a Spicy Chicken Sandwich,” I said, fingers crossed.

“Do you want the combo?” she asked. Inside I jumped. That’s what servers say when there’s no doubt about completing the order! I said yes, and she asked if that was all. it wasn’t.

“Let me get a Classic Chicken Sandwich too,” I said. I talked myself into it because, hey, they’re about to run out and I need to sample one for this story, right?

See, time was I wouldn’t flinch at eating two chicken sandwiches, but I’m doing much better lately. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have ordered the second one, but since they’re going to be running out, and I wanted (needed) to sample both — you know, for this story — I doubled up.

And the verdict?

I started with the spicy, because . . . well, spicy. It is an EXCELLENT sandwich, mostly because it delivers on what you would hope for in a chicken sandwich. It’s a large breast fillet for starters, with a twist on that Popeyes seasoning that you already know. It’s also crunchy, and the spicy mayo and pickle provide the additional kick and bite that takes the sandwich over the top. I absolutely didn’t need to eat the second sandwich.

So how was the second sandwich, the “Classic?” Just as delicious in a very different way. The fillet also had that distinctive Popeyes flavor, but with regular mayo instead to go with the pickle slice. I almost always default to a spicy version of anything if it’s available, but I could see myself ordering one of these depending on the mood. It’s also a winner.

As a man of a certain age, I can’t see myself waiting in a wrapped-around-the-building line for a chicken sandwich, period. I mean hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts, that’s something else. But a chicken sandwich from fast food joint?

That said, if you WERE going to wait in line for a chicken sandwich, you’d want it to be worth the wait. And BOTH Popeyes Chicken Sandwiches check that box many times.

That’s in case you decide to take your chances and see if you can get one before they’re gone — again.

This article originally appeared in the New Tri-State Defender

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org