Black Coffee Northwest

Blending with the community over a Melanin Mocha

Darnesha and Erwin Weary had their first date in a coffee shop more than 20 years ago. Today, they blend a shared love of coffee, their professional experiences, and a commitment to community organizing and community service with their Shoreline coffee shop that doubles as a neighborhood center. “We saw a need for recreation for Black and brown youth and started putting together events,” says Darnesha. “And that led us to opening the coffee shop initially because we needed a space to do that work.” They also wanted their coffee shop to be a place where people could meet and talk about tough issues and events going on in the city and around the country.

The couple powered through pandemic restrictions, an arson attack a day before the shop’s grand opening, and repeated racist vandalism. Nevertheless, they have created a comfortable and culturally inclusive coffeeshop with live edge wood tables, locally made art, and positive messages of social justice. Community-oriented programs include live music, food trucks, after-school homework help, and a Saturday craft marketplace, as well as a free food pantry. They also host an internship program that teaches young people not only marketable barista skills, but also a wide range of financial, business, and other important life and work skills that will be useful throughout their lives.

The drink menu at Black Coffee Northwest is designed to be both entertaining and a community engagement tool. Many of the drinks have alternate names intended to be conversation starters. Here, an Americano coffee is also an Africano; a Cappuccino is also a Blackaccino; and a Chocolate Mocha doubles as a Melanin Mocha. Need a bit less caffeine? Try a Chai Tea Latte by asking for a Supa’ Fly Chai. Want something much stronger? Order a doppio espresso by letting the barista know you want to Espress Yo’ Self.