Black Coffee Northwest Grounded

Black Coffee Northwest: Brewing Change, One Cup at a Time

Black Coffee Northwest (BCNW) is more than a coffee shop — it’s a Black, woman-owned community hub grounded in youth empowerment, economic justice, and cultural resilience. Founded in 2020 by Darnesha Bowman and her daughter Mikayla Weary, BCNW was born from a shared vision: to create a space where coffee, culture, and community come together to uplift and empower the next generation.

Our Mission

At BCNW, we believe in the power of coffee as a catalyst for social change. Our mission is to build community through youth leadership, creative expression, and economic opportunity. Every cup we serve supports a larger purpose — equity, access, and belonging.

Youth Development & Occupational Training

Through our nonprofit arm, Grounded, we offer holistic programs for youth ages 10–24, focused on career readiness, leadership development, and wellness. These include:

• 8-Week Internship Program: Youth choose between barista training, where they learn the business and science of coffee, or social justice internships centered on advocacy, community organizing, and civic engagement.

• Mental Health Support: We offer free therapy sessions, peer support groups, and wellness workshops to help young people navigate stress, trauma, and transitions.

• Arts & Step Team Programming: Our youth arts programming includes spoken word, visual art, and performance opportunities. The BCNW Step Team gives youth a powerful, culturally rooted outlet for self-expression, discipline, and unity through movement and rhythm.

• Basic Needs Access: For youth navigating housing or food insecurity, we provide snacks, hygiene items, and a safe place to simply exist without judgment.

Community Engagement

BCNW doubles as a vibrant community space. We host weekly Black business markets, artist showcases, community forums, and voter registration drives. We are intentional about amplifying Black voices, building local wealth, and creating inclusive opportunities for all.

Economic Justice & Reparative Practices

From our Reparations Latte campaign to our pay-what-you-can community days, we’re committed to economic justice. Every initiative we launch is designed to put resources directly into the hands of those most impacted by systemic inequity.

Succession & Legacy 

BCNW is a living example of Black generational leadership. As co-founder and current president, Mikayla Weary is preparing to step into the CEO role, supported by the guidance and experience of her mother, Darnesha Bowman. This intentional succession plan ensures that the mission of BCNW will live on through powerful, future-forward leadership rooted in community care.

Why Your Support Matters

When you support Black Coffee Northwest, you’re not just supporting a coffee shop — you’re investing in Black youth, families, and futures. You’re helping us create jobs, provide therapy, train young leaders, and build sustainable systems of care and creativity.

Join us. Brew change with us. Be grounded in community.