The Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center (SRBCC), a non-for profit, tax-exempt organization, is the oldest Puerto Rican cultural center in Chicago. Established in 1971, it was named in honor of Segundo Ruiz Belvis, a Puerto Rican patriot and member of the secret abolitionist society in Puerto Rico that bought and freed slave children. The society contributed greatly to the end of slavery in Puerto Rico in 1873. In that spirit, the Center works to build a society that respects and supports people regardless of their race, culture and background. SRBCC evolved from a community arts project developed by Association House of Chicago and community activists of the Latin American Defense Organization (LADO). These organizations supported the economic and democratic rights of the Puerto Rican and Latino community of Chicago, focusing on the areas of civic involvement, citizenship, cultural identity, public education, health, safety and security, housing, and economic opportunity.

The mission of Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center is to preserve and promote appreciation of the culture and arts of Puerto Rico, specifically its African heritage. Through our programs, we offer families opportunities in leadership, education, cultural awareness and creative expression.

Goal and Objectives: The goal of SRBCC School and Community Workshop Program is to facilitate intergenerational learning and provide a positive alternative to the communitys youth and families. Bomba and Plena Objectives: Song-Participants will learn the history, rhythms and significance of traditional songs at Bomba gatherings Bomba Percussion-Participants will learn and practice the rhythms of seis corridor and marianda from Loiza Plena Percussion-Participants will learn basic rhythm patterns and explore these patterns on plenas four instruments, seguidor, puntiador, quinto and guiro Bomba Dance and History I-Participants will learn the history of Bomba and explore the language between dancer and drummer as they practice the rhythms of sic and yuba Bomba Kids-Children 5-11 will learn the history of Bomba and practice the sica rhythms Modern Dance Objectives: Salsa-Participants will learn the origins steps of salsa dancing Hip Hop/Reggaeton-Participants will explore the history and practice movements to compose their own dance routines Vejigante Mask Making Objective-Participants will create their own masks in the tradition of Loiza Poetry Objective-Participants will explore different poetry styles as a mode of self expression and to strengthen literacy skills Bomba Drum Making Objectives: Bomba Drums-Adult participants will explore the history, materials and significance of the Bomba drum as they assemble their own instrument Bomba Mini-Drums-Participants aged 13-18 years, will assemble their own instrument as they learn the history and significance of the Bomba drum Grupo Yub? Objective: Participants promote the culture and folklore of Puerto Rico while studying the African roots evident in the Bomba and Plena