Adi Talwar

The crowd at Pier A for City Limits’ 2017 gala.

People from the worlds of finance, activism, academia, journalism and public service found common cause Tuesday at City Limits’ 2017 gala, which bore the theme “City of Strength, Citizens of Valor.”

Held at the stunning Pier A, moderated by Spectrum News political anchor Errol Louis and featuring music by Kelly Green and her quartet, the event was held to honor three New Yorkers who embody the values that, especially today, make the city a special place.

The late Gabe Pressman, who covered 10 mayors and hundreds of important stories for NBC News with dignity and skill, was recognized as the recipient of City Limits’ 2017 Urban Journalist Award. Angela Fernandez, executive director the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, accepted her award, the inaugural City Limits Community Beacon Award. And Adam Blumenthal of Blue Wolf Capital received the Civic Champion Award for his efforts to conduct private-equity investing in a way that helps, rather than harms, communities and workers.

Learn more about the evening and the honorees in our gala journal.

The evening helped to launched the Gabe Pressman Student Fellowship, which supports paid City Limits internships for New York City high-school and college students. Learn more about it here.

Adi Talwar

Vera Pressman accepts the Urban Journalist Award in memory of her husband, the late Gabe Pressman.

Adi Talwar

Jarrett Murphy of City Limits, at left, presents the Civic Champion Award to Adam Blumenthal.

Adi Talwar

Immigration attorney and advocate Angela Fernandez, winner of the Community Beacon Award.