Black History in the Making: Mableton’s Own Sheriff Craig Owens

As we step into February, a month dedicated to reflecting on Black history and the leaders who shape our future, The Mableton Common is launching a new series: Black History in the Making.

For the month of February, we will be highlighting the people making history right here in our backyard.

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It felt only right to start with a neighbor who has been a fixture in Mableton for nearly four decades. Craig D. Owens Sr. made history as the first African-American elected to be Sheriff of Cobb County, running on a platform of Truth, Trust, and Transparency.

But before he was a history-maker for the county, he was a neighbor on our streets.

"I’ve been living in Mableton for about 36 years," Sheriff Owens says. "I moved here right after I got out of the Army. I’ve raised my family here, coached track here, and stayed in the same house for over 30 years. I know my neighbors, and they know me. I’m just an everyday person trying to do right by the community I call home."

Alongside his police career, he served 36 years in the Army Reserve, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major in the Army Reserve, the highest rank possible for an enlisted soldier. In that role, he led a division of 14,000 personnel across 34 states and managed a $51 million budget.

His military experience taught him that true leadership is about preparing people for what comes next. He now applies this philosophy behind the walls of the county jail.

Breaking the Cycle: Providing the Tools for a Second Act

Under Sheriff Owens, the jail is breaking the cycle of incarceration by equipping inmates to return to Mableton as contributors, not just statistics.

• The "People’s University" Behind Bars: Partnering with Chattahoochee Tech, inmates are earning certifications in construction, HVAC, and ironwork.

• A Second Act: The number of inmates earning their GED has skyrocketed from just one or two per year to nearly 60 graduates recently.

• Strengthening Families: New "Parenting 101" classes help incarcerated parents maintain healthy, lasting connections with their children.

Local Stewardship in Our Schools

Through the Sheriff’s Foundation, he has turned his office into a "support agency" for Mableton families:

• Walking with Dignity: In October 2025, the Sheriff’s Office partnered with No Bull Apparel to donate sneakers to students at three Cobb County middle schools.

• Santa on Wheels: In December 2025, CCSO and the Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation hosted the annual Santa on Wheels event at two Cobb County middle schools. They were able to distribute 600–1,000 toys per school.

The North Star: Humility and Respect

When asked about his "North Star," Sheriff Owens doesn't point to a policy manual or a political strategy. Instead, he points to a simple, human standard.

"My North Star is always be humble," he explains. "Basically treat everybody fairly...regardless of what their status is."

The Neighbor Behind the Badge

When he isn’t at City Hall or the precinct, Sheriff Owens is a "country boy at heart" who enjoys movie nights with his wife and keeping up with his six grandkids. He’s a die-hard Falcons fan who believes that the best way to lead is to stay grounded in the place you live.

"I’m the same old person," he explains. "I’m just a Sheriff putting more emphasis on taking care of the community where I live every day."