Photos and Story by Jerome Parmer
Alysa Liu’s homecoming was full of sunshine and smiles as Oakland honored their own local Olympic champion at Frank Ogawa Plaza on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Word has it that Liu turned down an offer for a parade on Broadway because she preferred to celebrate up close with her friends and fans. Tickets to the city-sponsored event were gone in a flash, though premium up-front seating was reserved in advance for students from her former high school, the Oakland School for the Arts. The student’s excitement and energy were apparent from the beginning, and the teens quickly pressed forward to get a better view.
Sway Calloway emceed the program, which included appearances from a variety of local celebrities, business leaders, and politicians. Liu herself came down to the lower stage level to dance with the Turf Inc. company from East Oakland. She swayed along to the music during a performance of “Folded” by her favorite musical artist Kehlani. After ninety minutes, the party came to a close with the presentation of an impressive key to the city by Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. Throughout the afternoon, Liu radiated the pride and love for her hometown that the crowd had also bestowed upon her.
Jerome Parmer is an Oakland-based photographer who has photographed political, LGBTQ+, music, and other events in the Bay Area. Follow his current work on IG @drj_oakland
Arts & Entertainment
Published on March 26, 2026
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