The Toni Morrison Society’s 34th installation of a bench to remember formerly enslaved and free citizens of Cobb County on the eve of Juneteenth, June 18, 2024, went off without a hitch, thanks to the commitments from community leaders and groups. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Foundation and Sheriff Owens, in particular, made a generous contribution to cover expenses for the bench, the event held on the site of the Concord Trailhead and a subsequent reception to celebrate the project to commemorate Matilda Ruff and her family.
According to the 1860 Census, 3,189 enslaved Blacks and 13 free Blacks lived in Cobb County. Of those enslaved, Matilda Ruff and her children–Calvin, Zeida and Rhoda–continued after emancipation to live on a lot that is now part of the Concord Covered Bridge Historic District.
To acknowledge the sheriff and his team for their participation and financial support, FCCBHD Board Vice President Dave Mahloy and members, Ron Gause and Angelia Pressley presented Sheriff Craig D. Owens, Sr., Founder and Executive Director of the Sheriff’s Foundation Robert G. Haley, Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson and Assistant Chief Deputy Gina V. Hawkins with a framed copy of the Concord Covered Bridge during the group’s Board meeting on Jan. 16, 2025.