In this week’s episode of Podcast Cousins, we’re having a real conversation about what it takes to build, sustain, and protect Black-owned businesses in Iowa — especially in spaces where diversity is minimal and community support is inconsistent. We hear the phrase “Iowa Nice” all the time — a cultural idea that Iowans are friendly, polite, and welcoming. But for many Black Iowans, Iowa Nice often looks like politeness without belonging, friendliness without support, and silence when equity is on the line. Today, we’re joined by Ashley Kofoed, owner of The Black Rose Bookstore in West Branch, Iowa — a bookstore, café, gathering space, and place of refuge rooted in love, community, and resistance. Ashley shares how she built the Black Rose, the emotional and financial realities of sustaining a Black business in a small Iowa town, and why community action matters more than community applause. We’re also joined by the cousins: Abena Sankofa – Black & Privileged in America J’juan Hakeem – Minds With Hakeem Daron 360 Richardson – Brothers Gonna Work It Out Kenny Lilly – Do The Math 24-7 Lya Williams – Inside Black Iowa Paula Bell – Dojo Talk & The Joe and Paula Show Together, we talk authenticity, belonging, emotional labor, building community, and the power of showing up for each other. “When I first opened the Black Rose, I wanted it to be the space I never had — as a kid, as a teacher, as a Black woman in Iowa.” This episode is conversation, community, and clarity.And it's a call — not to be Iowa Nice, but to be Iowa Real. 📍 RESOURCES & LINKS Visit & Support The Black Rose Bookstore:Website: www.theblackrosewb.comInstagram: & TikTok: @theblackrosewb Follow the Cousins: @blackgirliowa @theofficialabena @tmwhakeen @daron360 @dothemath247 @blackiowanews@ninjafitness 📣 CALL TO LISTENERS If this conversation resonated, share this episode, leave a review, and — most importantly — show up for Black-owned businesses in your community. Not just in words. In presence, purchases, partnership & amplification.
