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.”

Thomposon (above) was born in Columbus, Ohio, but was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

The proclamation recognized Thompson as an Emmy Award-winning actor, comedian, producer, author and cultural icon whose career has brought joy, laughter and representation to audiences for more than three decades. It noted his professional debut in 1994’s “D2: The Mighty Ducks” and his role as an original cast member of Nickelodeon’s “All That,” before co-starring in “Kenan & Kel” and joining “Saturday Night Live” in 2003, where he became both the first cast member born after the show’s debut and the longest-tenured cast member in its history.

Beyond the ceremony, Thompson used the visit to promote “Unfunny Bunny,” his second book following a memoir. The children’s story centers on a bunny learning how to be funny and is aimed at young readers and families.

“It’s a children’s book called ‘Unfunny Bunny,’” Thompson said. “It’s for little kids. It’s my second book.” He explained that as a parent of two daughters, ages 7 and 11, he understands both the joy and daily effort required in raising children.

Thompson said he has visited multiple schools during his trip, reading to students across the city.

“I’ve visited like four schools in the last two mornings and read to a bunch of beautiful little Black faces,” he said, noting that what matters most is not celebrity recognition but time spent. “What matters is that somebody came to spend time with them.”

The book, he said, is part of a broader desire to inspire young people to dream beyond what they see in front of them.

“I didn’t think when I was growing up that I would write books or be a movie person,” Thompson said, encouraging families to support the next generation.

During a brief discussion about his longevity on “Saturday Night Live,” Thompson credited his support system. The show’s schedule runs roughly eight to nine months each year, from October to May, he said, making it a significant time commitment.

“My family is very supportive of my career,” he said, adding that their encouragement allows him to pursue his work without feeling disconnected from home.

Even as he has become a household name, Thompson said he still values moving through the world with humility and accessibility, preferring genuine connection over celebrity insulation.

“Atlanta shows up for Atlanta,” she said. “That’s what makes this such a special place.”

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