THE ATLANTA VOICE — “It feels monumental, man,” Thompson said when asked what it meant to be honored by the city. “It’s so funny to me that a lot of people don’t know that I’m from here. I haven’t done anything but represent Atlanta. I just haven’t lived here since high school.”
By Donnell Suggs | The Atlanta Voice | When Kenan Thompson tells you he hasn’t lived in Atlanta since high school, the SNL veteran isn’t downplaying his roots, he’s explaining why Thursday’s homecoming felt so monumental. At Retreat by The Gathering Spot on Howell Mill Road, the longest-tenured cast member in “Saturday Night Live” history received an official proclamation from the City of Atlanta, a reminder to everyone that the city’s “proud son” has been representing all along, even if he’s been doing it from 30 Rock.
The ceremony brought together entertainment executive Shanti Das, Fulton County Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington Jr., City Council Post 3 At-Large member Eshe’ Collins, and other city leaders, including director of the Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment Phillana Williams
“It feels monumental, man,” Thompson said when asked what it meant to be honored by the city. “It’s so funny to me that a lot of people don’t know that I’m from here. I haven’t done anything but represent Atlanta. I just haven’t lived here since high school.”
He added that the proclamation served as a reminder that Atlanta has “a proud son out there and a son that they can be proud of as well,” calling the moment “a beautiful occasion.”
Das, who organized the event, said the idea began months ago as Thompson prepared to release his second book, a children’s title called “The Unfunny Bunny.”
“I feel like a lot of people don’t know that he’s actually from here,” Das said. “With him being at the height of his career and a new book coming out, I wanted Atlanta to celebrate him.”
She said she first floated the idea to Thompson about four or five months ago, then coordinated with his team to add Atlanta to his book tour schedule. She also reached out to Ryan Wilson of The Gathering Spot to co-host the event, along with city officials to begin the proclamation process.
Wilson said the decision to participate was immediate.
“Shanti is doing amazing work,” Wilson said. “When Shanti calls, I’m going to do it.” He added that celebrating hometown figures in a way that brings community together aligns with The Gathering Spot’s mission.
Thompson received two proclamations during the ceremony. Arrington Jr. presented one from Fulton County, while Collins delivered a proclamation from the Atlanta City Council officially declaring February 12, 2026, as “Kenan Thompson Day” in the city.
Reading from the proclamation, Collins highlighted Thompson’s Atlanta roots, noting he was raised in College Park in the Cascade community, where his creative talents were nurtured through Atlanta institutions including the Alliance Theater School, the Atlanta Boy Choir, the Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, church productions, and Tri-Cities High School.
“Atlanta is a special place, and one thing we want to continue to foster is our children knowing that they can be who they see in front of them,” Collins said, thanking Thompson for sharing his talents with Atlanta’s children. “So thank you so much for your book.”
Source:
‘Atlanta Shows Up for Atlanta’: City Declares Feb. 12 Kenan Thompson Day