Founded in 1971 by the Latin American Development Services, the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, is a not for profit, tax exempt organization in Chicago.

The Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center seeks to provide Puerto Rican youths and their families with knowledge and pride through cultural, artistic, and educational programs. Cultural awareness programs 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.

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 Segundo Ruiz Belvis, member of the Secret Abolitionist Society of Puerto Rico that bought 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. It 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.