Rick Ross & Snoop Dillard Shine at Black Tax Fest

Atlanta’s Riverside EpiCenter was buzzing with energy as the Black Tax Fest 2025 transformed into a three-day powerhouse of financial wisdom, inspiration, and crucial networking. This year’s festival featured an incredible lineup of Black financial leaders and influencers, including heavy hitters like Rick Ross, Snoop Dillard, and Ash Cash, all dedicated to empowering the community with essential money management insights.

Empowering the Community with Financial Knowledge

Created by the visionary duo Mowbray and Cherina Rowand, co-founders of ONE STOP Taxes, the Black Tax Fest has evolved from a modest awards show into a nationally recognized hub where business, entrepreneurship, real estate, and community converge. The Rowands, whose company has over 2,000 virtual offices nationwide, are committed to merging purpose with profit through impactful representation.

Mowbray Rowand, CEO of Black Tax Fest, shared his passion for the event’s mission, emphasizing the importance of early mornings for financial success. “Your money don’t sleep, so you got to get on up to get to the money,” he stated, reflecting the drive behind the festival. He hopes attendees leave with a spirit of “spiritual collaboration, not competition,” fostering connections among industry leaders.

Mindset, Motivation, and Masterful Curation

The festival wasn’t just about financial strategies; it also focused on personal growth. Former NFL player Stevie Baggs Jr. delivered a powerful session on mindset and self-mastery, urging attendees to “shift your personality” if they dislike their reality and “shift your habits” if they dislike their habitat. His message stressed the need for spiritual resilience and taking ownership of one’s life.

The event’s striking aesthetic was curated by Atlanta-based luxury event producer Melissa Brown of Lux Lifestyle Events. She transformed the Riverside EpiCenter with immersive LED tunnels, geometric patterns, and dynamic light installations, creating an environment that was both sophisticated and inspiring. Brown, who has been contracted for life with Black Tax Fest after producing last year’s Miami event, highlighted the collaborative effort of her team from Miami and New York.

Representation and Collaboration

Refund Advantage, a division of Pathward Bank, served as the presenting sponsor, reinforcing the event’s commitment to expanding access to capital. Senior Managing Director Debra Kenamer highlighted their comprehensive solutions for independent tax offices. She emphasized that supporting Black Tax Fest aligns perfectly with their mission, noting the “synergy of everyone working together, the collaboration, the representation—it’s really important.”

The festival also celebrated the growing presence of women in finance. Guest attendee Shana Thomas, founder of A1T Pro, praised the event’s inclusivity, noting how women are increasingly taking over the industry. Co-founder Cherina Rowand echoed this sentiment, encouraging women to “absolutely belong in every room you think you belong in,” and shared how their company, initially founded by men, is now predominantly run by women.

A Decade of Economic Empowerment

With Atlanta potentially becoming the permanent home for Black Tax Fest, the event continues its decade-long mission of growth, collaboration, and economic empowerment. The weekend culminated with a fireside chat featuring Rick Ross alongside the Rowands, celebrating 10 years of the festival, followed by a Western-themed gala that honored Black Excellence. For more information, visit BlackTaxFest.com.