I'm Mandara, I'm in my twenties and I proudly take on the title of auntie. After college I moved to the Pacific Northwest with my person and 2 fur babies. Since the move, I've slowly turned into an Jamaican auntie - socks and sandals, I sit in my hammock in the backyard and read, give unsolicited dating advice and I don't share my plantains with anyone - ever.
Moving from LA made living in the PNW a bittersweet thing for me. It's a cool place for my little fur family and the outdoors is beautiful, but I rarely find my Black folks out and about. If I do, I have to drive out of the city, or go to only a handful of spots (Still Liquor is my favorite, Jerk Shack, or Athletic Form if I'm in a mood to workout).
I couldn't find a directory specific to Washington for more Black spots so I created this site hoping to highlight more Black businesses not only in Washington but beyond so that there are more Black watering holes, more venues, more everything for us.
I really struggled with the name though. To most Caribbeans and Africans, you're either an Auntie or a cousin. I know that ‘Auntie’ is a loaded title for parts of Black America, but hear me out. When I think ‘Auntie’, I don’t consider the age of the person. Instead it's a badge of honor: aunties are womxn of color who manage to thrive, even in a world that seeks to oppress them and 👏 still 👏 manages to be the backbone of the black family. Whew, sis must be exhausted.
Aunties are an asset to their community, to their village. Aunties are audacious and wise; they know who to talk to, where to shop, and have great life advice - even if you don’t want it. So here is my ever growing list to you, even if you didn’t ask for it.
Let me know your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you. XOXO Auntie