It was almost standing room only for the 10th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday, put on by Living Jazz (formerly Rhythmic Concepts) with the  support of Target. 

Even though the program had jumped from the grown-too-small Scottish Rites Center to the would-it-be-too-big Paramount Theatre, the space was comfortably filled with hundred of locals who thought a night out Uptown listening to Oakland's own PopLyfe, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Oakland Children's Community Choir, two Youth Speaks poets and Gospel great Mavis Staples was just the place to be.

To loud applause, Congresswoman Barbara Lee presented the Seventh Annual City of Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award to Derrick B. Johnson for his dedicated service to the community. Johnson - who blushed modestly as he accepted his award - is president of Home of Chicken and Waffles - one of the most popular and successful soul food restaurant chains in the country. Acknowledged for his support and mentoring of those re-entering from prison, Johnson said helping others succeed was his passion. Before the event and during intermission, 33 local organizations, including Oakland Local, the Interfaith Gospel Choice and House of Chicken and Waffles, exhibited in the entrance hall.

Oakland Local's Eric Arnold was on hand and shot these photos of the evening.