Mission Statement

The mission of our organization is to promote, strengthen and encourage the development of the Puerto Rican community within the framework of an integrated multicultural society. We seek to develop opportunities for the community in the areas of education, cultural awareness, technical help, creative expression, leadership, vocational and professional training.

Our History

The Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center is a program of the Latin American Development Services, Corp., a not for profit, tax exempt organization. Founded in 1971, it seeks to provide Puerto Rican youths and their families with knowledge and pride in themselves and community through cultural, artistic, and educational programs. Cultural awareness programs in particular provide opportunities for personal development and self-improvement. Intergenerational activities, the use of Spanish, as well as English, and participation in community, civic and cultural affairs help strengthen families and enhance their pride and commitment to their community. Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center evolves from a project developed by Association House of Chicago and community activists of the Latin American Defense Organization (LADO) which supported the economic and democratic rights of the Puerto Rican and Latino community of Chicago in the areas of citizenship; cultural identity; public education; health, safety and security; housing; and economic opportunity. The Center is named in honor of Segundo Ruiz Belvis, founder of the Secret Abolitionist Society of Puerto Rico which brought and freed slave children and contributed to the end in 1873 of slavery. In that spirit, the Center upholds the ideals of justice and freedom and recognizes that the struggle for freedom has not ended and works to eliminate the conditions that maintain people in the bondage of poverty and ignorance. The center works to build a society that respects and supports people, regardless of their race, culture and background.