Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
Add your diced bacon. It does not need to be cooked.
Next add the onion, spices and black beans.
Pour your beer over the beans, bacon, onion, and spices and then stir well.
Add a little water to cover the beans if they aren't completely covered.
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.