One of 40 organizations recently recognized for its contributions to the history, culture, vibrancy, and identity of communities of color in greater Chicago (see Chicago Cultural Treasures), Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC) is the longest-running Latino cultural center in Chicago.
Established in 1971, it was named in honor of Segundo Ruiz Belvis, a Puerto Rican patriot and member of a secret abolitionist society that freed children who had been enslaved under Spanish rule. In that spirit, SRBCC realizes its mission to preserve and promote appreciation of the culture and arts of Puerto Rico and Latin America, with a focus on its African heritage.
All SRBCC programs receive partial funding from Illinois Arts Council, MacArthur Foundation, Comcast, Driehaus Foundation, Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, National Endowment for the Arts, Chicago Cultural Treasures, Sueños Festival, Illinois Department of Human Services, and The Field Foundation of Illinois.
