“Cash Mob” movement takes root in St. Pete, revitalizing businesses

The Black Money Movement is a political action organization supporting community wealth and economic circulation in the South St. Petersburg area, including Cash Mob advocacy for Black-owned businesses. Pictured: Cash Mob at Juggs Soul Food Kitchen, St. Pete. Photo by Jabaar Edmond.

Following the reported mistreatment of resident Carlisa Wilson and neighborhood children on September 8, 2025, the South St. Petersburg community moved to boycott the Snax Convenience Store. This 30-day protest evolved into a larger community movement due to the overwhelming support from residents and local Black-owned businesses.

Interim Black Money Movement President Erin McFarley (second to right), next to Reno Moore, founder of the Black Money Movement at Snax the Stage. Image Courtesy of 1Love Magazine.

In response to the boycott, activist Reno Moore founded the Black Money Movement — a political action organization focused on supporting community wealth and economic circulation in the South St. Petersburg area.

The Black Money Movement introduced St. Pete to the “Cash Mob,” and its goal isn’t just awareness, but also action and continuous support for sustainable local businesses that hire locally, grow their operations, support their families, and reinvest in the community.

The term “cash mobs” originated in 2011 and describes a group of people who assemble at a local business to make purchases. The purpose of these mobs is to support both local businesses and the community as a whole.

Florida is no stranger to cash mob initiatives, which have spread across the state. One popular cash mob initiative in Jacksonville, the Melanin Collaborative Group's Buy Black Bus Blitz is a 6-hour bus tour with a curated lineup designed to support local Black-owned businesses. The bus tour directly brings a “cash mob” of shoppers to the businesses to boost visibility and sales.

Locally, the Black Money Movement launched its Cash Mob-coordinated events in December of 2025. Through networking, collaboration, and discovery of local businesses, the Cash Mob events have strengthened community relationships between residents and neighborhood shops.

BMM’s interim president, Erin McFarley, is spreading the Cash Mob advocacy, boosting revenue, and creating long-term opportunities within the South St. Petersburg community.

Interim President of the Black Money Movement Erin McFarley. Image courtesy of Erin McFarley.

McFarley is the founder of McFarley Capital Unlimited, where she helps individuals and entrepreneurs strengthen their financial foundation through tax strategy. In addition to her titular role, she’s also an entrepreneur, speaker, community advocate, and interim president for the Black Money Movement.

“I am also actively involved in community empowerment efforts throughout the Tampa Bay area, with a focus on entrepreneurship, economic growth, collaboration, and creating opportunities that help underserved communities thrive,” said McFarley.

“The Black Money Movement evolved into an organized effort focused on circulating dollars intentionally within the community and helping remove some of the negative economic statistics that continue to affect Black communities,” she explained. “Especially during a time when many Black-owned businesses struggle with visibility and resources, these events help create real momentum.”

According to McFarley, since its inception, businesses involved in the events have reportedly seen an average revenue increase of approximately 40% to 50% during the events. Although revenue is an important aspect of coordinated events, the key initiative is to build morale, unity, visibility, and hope behind these local businesses.

“The impact has been powerful. Businesses are gaining new customers, increased visibility, and stronger financial support from the community. Many business owners have expressed how meaningful it is to not only feel supported financially, but also appreciated and seen,” said McFarley.

Beyond this event series, the Black Money Movement works to revitalize parts of South St. Petersburg by fostering positive energy, economic activity, and a sense of collective responsibility for community growth.

The next upcoming Cash Mob is next Friday, May 22, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1811 Dr Martin Luther King Jr. St. S, St. Petersburg.

Flyer for next Saturday’s Cash Mob event, “Hams R Us.” Image courtesy of Erin McFarley.

McFarley hopes attendees leave with an understanding of how powerful intentional support is and walk away inspired to continue supporting local businesses beyond the event.

“We encourage the community to come out, support, connect, and continue helping us ‘make each other rich on purpose.’ Every purchase, referral, social media share, and every person who shows up contributes to helping businesses grow and communities thrive,” said McFarley.

In the meantime, Moore continues to expand the vision of the Black Money Movement, sharing about a new initiative – “The Black Church Challenge.”

“We want to issue a NEW community challenge, one we like to call The Black Church Challenge. Which Black church can get the most of their respected congregation to attend these #CashMob events?” he asked, emphasizing, “It's our responsibility to make each other rich on purpose!”

For updates on upcoming Cash Mob events and community initiatives, readers can follow the Black Money Movement page on Facebook for additional information and announcements.

McFarley shared that “The Black Money Movement evolved into an organized effort focused on circulating dollars intentionally within the community and helping remove some of the negative economic statistics that continue to affect Black communities.” Image sourced from The Black Money Movement on Facebook.

Share Your News with Us

To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube