In a fraught time, these five honorees demonstrate the value of empathy — and show what makes this city great.

Photography by Ross Feighery and Frank Ishman

Bashir Salahuddin

The South Side Storyteller

Megan Jeyifo

The Abortion Ally

Chez Smith

The Samaritan

Tony Priolo

The Compassionate Chef

Nick Cave

The Activist Artist