Selena Quintanilla, the iconic Mexican-American singer dubbed the “queen of Tex-Mex,” was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Artsone of the highest honors awarded by the United States to individuals who have significantly contributed to the country’s art and culture. This recognition highlights her impact on the formation of modern Latino identity, feminism, music and culture.
“Friends, let’s take a moment to recognize the honorees who are no longer with us. (The chef) Anthony Bourdain, Selena, (the sculptor) Ruth Asawa were larger than life. We remember every song, every sculpture, every meal and every moment they shared with us. “We miss them very much,” said President Joe Biden during the ceremony that took place this Monday.
At the same event, held at the White House, personalities such as actresses Eva Longoria and Queen Latifah and director Steven Spielberg were also honored by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The medal on Selena’s behalf was collected by her sister, Suzette Quintanilla, who shared moving words about the Texan star’s legacy and her tireless efforts to pave the way for Latina women in music.
“They were larger than life. Remember every song, every sculpture, every meal, every moment they shared with us.”
Pres. Biden acknowledged posthumous National Medal of Arts and Humanities recipients Anthony Bourdain, Selena and Ruth Asawa during a White House ceremony. pic.twitter.com/o0wnxXBfhf
— ABC News (@ABC) October 21, 2024
This symbolic tribute transcends a simple award. This woman with black hair, red lips, hoop earrings, tight pants and dark skin represented and continues to represent for many the strength and resilience of the Latino community in the United States. Before Selena (who is simply known by her first name), there was no reference for this minority. Thousands of immigrant girls, young women and women have been able to see themselves reflected in it. The so-called “Mexican Madonna” was like them: a woman with working class roots who was proud of her origins, who was not afraid of making mistakes, who spoke Spanish without shame and who with her talent made her way in the industry of the latin music
Selena showed that the american dream I could also speak Spanish. As a child, she began singing in her family’s restaurant and, although she aspired to be the next Donna Summer, she decided to embrace her bicultural heritage. What happened next is history. By the early ’90s, she was already the biggest Latin star in the United States. She was the first Hispanic woman to sign a contract with the multinational Coca-Cola, won dozens of awards and became the best-selling Latin singer of the decade, with 65 million albums.
The National Medal of Arts awarded to Quintanilla not only recognizes his outstanding career, but also his ability to break cultural barriers and connect with millions of Latinos in the United States. Her inclusion in this select group places her next to figures like Rita MorenoCelia Cruz, Maya Angelou, Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and so many other women have changed the world with their art and talent.
Selena’s legacy
The influence of the “Queen of cumbia” transcends her music and her image. As a pioneer, she paved the way for Latin artists in a music industry dominated primarily by English speakers. Its success and popularity demonstrated that Spanish-language music could conquer the American market, setting a precedent for future Latin stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Karol G., Nati Natasha, Danna, Greeicy, Gloria Trevi and Ángela Aguilar.
Selena has become a timeless icon. Almost three decades have passed since that tragic scene inside a hotel in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Yolanda Saldívar shot him in the back on March 31, 1995 at the age of 23. But his legacy has remained alive throughout the decades and continues to shine in films, television series, charts on digital music platforms, social networks, street murals, museums, sculptures, dolls, clothing collections and lines. of makeup as an example of a Latin pop culture icon.
