Leadership is often measured by visibility—by titles held, moments captured, and credit received. But some forms of leadership are quieter, practiced in consistency rather than ceremony. This story is about that kind of leadership. It traces the life of Steven Henry Sr., a man whose influence has been shaped not by public ambition, but by service learned early, lived daily, and sustained across family, faith, entrepreneurship, and community. As the first First Gentleman in Clayton County’s history, his role is unprecedented—but the values guiding him are anything but new.
Steven Henry Sr. did not grow up in a quiet house.
He grew up in Mississippi—one of nine children, raised with six, of those nine, by a father who believed that service was not something you performed in the community, but something you lived inside your home. His father, born into a family of sixteen, carried the belief that children should work, respect their elders, show up for their neighbors, and learn to use their hands.
“We didn’t know what he was doing,” Steven remembers. “We were just living. But my father was teaching leadership before we ever knew that word. He taught us how to clean the church, serve the church, serve the community—and serve each other.”
The Henry children were raised inside structure. There was church—Bible study, Sunday school, fellowship. There was work—cleaning, cooking, fixing what needed fixing.
There was accountability—from neighbors, parents, and community alike. And there was love. Not soft or indulgent, but steady—built on presence, discipline, and showing up.
That foundation shaped every chapter of Steven’s life: barber, entrepreneur, mentor, and eventually, the first First Gentleman in Clayton County history.
From Mississippi to Atlanta: The Making of a Mentor
After graduation, Steven carried his father’s lessons with him to Atlanta, joining his brother Jesse and enrolling in barber school.
The clippers became more than a trade. “As a kid, I saw how a barber could make somebody feel seen again,” he says. “In that chair, you learn to listen deeply, respect people, and build trust.”
His barbershop quickly became an unofficial mentoring space. Young boys wandered in—curious, restless, looking for belonging. Steven gave them small responsibilities: sweeping floors, showing up on time, learning respect.
“Those small things turn into big things,” he says. “A broom teaches respect. Showing up teaches responsibility. And a man telling a young man, ‘I love you,’ teaches something a lot of boys don’t get at home.”
The model was inherited, not invented—an echo of a father who raised six children with consistency, care, and expectation.
An Entrepreneur Who Never Stopped Building
Barbering was only the beginning. Steven opened his own shop, then a convenience store. He partnered with his sister on community initiatives. He rode with Ironbred MC. He helped launch a clothing line, BRO-LO.
If something needed building, he built it. If something needed fixing, he fixed it. Even his home in Decatur reflects that legacy—repairs, remodels, sheetrock done by hand, often with his brothers beside him.
“I hear my dad all the time,” Steven says. “‘Keep your hands in God’s hands. And whatever you do, stay humble.’”
That humility is felt the moment someone walks into his barbershop. It’s also felt when they see him standing beside his wife.
Becoming the First Gentleman of Clayton County
When Dr. Alieka Anderson Henry became the first female Chair of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, Steven stepped into a role no man had held before. He did not chase visibility. He did not need a title. He stood beside his wife—supporting, protecting, grounding.
“Our relationship is rooted in God,” he says. “I’m here to support her, not overshadow her. She can’t be bought—she owes nobody but God.” Public leadership is demanding. Criticism is constant. Expectations are heavy—especially for women.
He guards her peace. He shields her from noise. He brings steadiness where the world demands strength. “Resilience in marriage,” he says, “is love in action—especially when the world is watching.”
Faith as Compass
Steven is grounded because he knows where he stands—and Who he stands with. “My mother always says, ‘Stay humble.’ My father said, ‘Stay where God can use you.’”
Faith centers him when public life grows loud. Family anchors him when schedules stretch thin. Music—especially gospel—sets the tone.
At the barbershop, the day doesn’t begin until the music does. “For somebody,” he says, “that might be the song they needed all day.”
The Foundation: Serving Clayton County’s Families
Today, Steven serves through the Dr. Alieka Anderson Henry Foundation, focused on removing barriers for children and families across Clayton County. His vision is direct: “Break down whatever holds families back—and replace it with access, opportunity, and hope.”
When parents say thank you. When children believe again.
He is reminded this work is not symbolic. “Legacy is who you lift as you rise,” he says. “I want young men to remember I lived with integrity, humility, and purpose.”
A Life That Comes Full Circle
Steven Henry is many things: barber, mentor, entrepreneur, father, First Gentleman. But at the core, he is a man shaped by steady strength.
Leadership learned in church, not classrooms. Wisdom formed in barbershops, not boardrooms. Purpose rooted in presence. “My journey is proof that humble beginnings can lead to powerful purpose when God is guiding the path.”








He is such a good person and man, I have had the honor of growing up with him and attending school with this young man and he has always been the same… his warm spirit touch each life he meets, well deserved and congratulations, so proud of you. 🥰💗 Shelia Little
Thank you for sharing this. Reflections like yours add important context to the story and speak to the consistency of Steven’s character over time. We appreciate you reading and engaging.
— We Are Clayton Magazine
This was a profound and well needed statement that had to be made. I like the bio
Biography love the approach on the first gentleman of clayton county and how God has shape and formed. into a well yong man
Adore the life that he have lived well respected. Well said 👏 and nothing need to be added to it. Well said again it was heart touching, spirit fault And I see you as a man, after God’s own heart that God continued to order your steps, cover you and your wife give you all long life. In prosperity love peace
Thank you for reading and for taking the time to share your thoughts. We appreciate your engagement with the story.
Great article. I came across Mr. Steven a long time ago, and he consistently stood out as an outstanding man, mentor, and father. His wisdom, humility, and ability to lead by example left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He uplifted others through both his words and actions, and many of us are better today because of his guidance. His character, leadership, and legacy will truly not be forgotten.