Did you know that in the 2000 U.S. Census, the city of Oakland had the third highest gay and lesbian concentration in the country?

Although 2010 Census numbers aren't in yet, it is no secret that our city continues to embrace these communities. And on Sunday, Sept. 5, people from around the Bay will come to Oakland to celebrate the LGBTQI communities during the East Bay's largest Pride Festival in six years.

Oakland Pride, which runs from noon to 6 p.m. at 19th and Franklin Street, will have multi-generational music, food, booths, supporters from all walks of life and many exciting features. The event is a family one and includes a children's zone where kids can play while parents enjoy themselves.

The theme of this year's pride is "We want the funk" and to prove that the East Bay is full of soul. The musical headliner performer is legendary Chaka Kahn. Yes, Chaka Kahn who is a 10-time Grammy award winner with hits like "Tell Me Something Good," "Ain't Nobody," "I'm Every Women" and more.

Kahn became more relevant in the last decade because of hip hop rapper Kanye West. Kanye West's song " Through the Wire" sampled her hit song "Through the Fire."

San Francisco's own Martha Wash, known for her smash hit and gay anthem "It's Raining Men," also will perform.

Oakland has not held a Pride festival since 2004. Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan, a current mayoral candidate and the LGBTQ roundtable chair, decided that Oakland needed to have Pride once again. The mission of Oakland Pride is, "to celebrate the cultures and diversity of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community in Oakland and the East Bay," according to the organization's website.

The festival is more than a celebration because it is a fundraiser. The funds will be given to help create a center that can be a safe place for members of the LGBTQ community to gather. There is a $5 suggested donation to enter Oakland Pride.

For more information, visit Oakland Pride.