The celebration began last month when the Oakland Technical High School girls' basketball team captured its third straight state championship -- the fifth in school history. And, while the Bulldogs were building a dynasty, another local school, the Oakland High School boys' team, made some history of their own by winning their first Division 3 championship.
Parent and super-booster Dunia Wilder began organizing the celebration even before the games' final horns sounded. "I think -- especially with the teams leaving, the Warriors leaving -- I think the city needs something to really rally around and we've been very fortunate to be able to do that," said Oakland Tech point guard Mari Somvichian.
The parade finished with a rally in front of City Hall and, as the mayor offered proclamations to the players, it was the students who supplied some inspiration for a city facing challenges of its own.