Although there had been Latino pop stars to cross-over to American mainstream culture before Selena Quintanilla-Perez was different. She was a Chicana who spoke English at home first that first-and-second generation Latino immigrants alike could relate to.
She also rose to fame at time when it was clear that the country was seeing changing demographics and anti-immigrant laws began to pop up. And still made the tops of both english and spanish pop charts.
So today we remember Selena. Take a look at the images below of how others remember the pop star that passed away on March 31, 1995.
Selena Quintanilla-Perez would have turned 41 today.
Austin, Texas (Photo by That Other Paper)
Austin, Texas (Photo by That Other Paper)
The Hollywood High School mural, made by Eloy Torrez in 2002. Selena is to the right of Brandy.
West Oso High School Commercial Arts Program Students painted this mural in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Not exactly a mural but the city of Corpus Christi has a Selena statue! Photo by Martin Male.
Close up of statue.
Spotted in Dallas, Texas by Cheryl Coward.
Spotted at the Viva Latin Music Festival, Chicago 9/28/05 by Robin Nystrom.
And finally watch the video below with Deborah Paredez who discusses Selena, how people remember her place in American culture at the turn of the 21st century.
