Celebrating Women’s History Month
By Caleigh Cooper
March is Women's History Month, a time to remember women of all ethnicities. Selena Quintanilla was a Mexican singer who paved the way for hispanic women.
"If you have a dream don't let anybody take it away" Selena never let anything get in her way, or stop her career. Every little problem she brushed off her shoulder. Selena was born on April 16, 1971 in Lake, Texas. She was just eight when her voice started to be known by the locals. During her twenties, her rise to fame had begun. In the past and now she continues to inspire Hispanic singers and celebrities. Como La Flor was her first hit. It wasn't successful at first, but that was just the beginning.
Selena, the youngest of her siblings, was born into a musical family. They had a strict schedule, so they practiced every day after school. Her band, Selena y Los Dinos, performed at parties and weddings. Her father produced and managed the musical group, and to save the band Selena dropped out of school in 8th grade. Selena had to make some tough decisions just so her family could be happy.
On March 1, 1994, Selena was awarded her first award. At 23 years old, she got her first Grammy. It was the Best Mexican-American Album and she was the first woman to achieve it. That's talent! Throughout her whole life of Singing and Performing, she won a total of 67 awards. Some of her awards include Best Performer of the Year and two Grammys. In her eyes, the biggest achievement was marrying the man of her dreams. Even when her father forbade her from seeing him, she married Chris Perez. Chris Perez was the guitarist of the band. Her father didn't like him because he was seen as a bad boy.
During Selena's career, a lot of people were being sexist because Selena was in a man's place, a singer. She was also criticized for not knowing real Spanish. Her father never taught her. As a child, she lived in poverty and her father was only a singer and didn't earn loads of money. To help with the struggling, she used her talents to make money for the family. Selena learned how to speak and sing in Spanish.
Sadly, she passed away. The president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldívar, killed her on March 31, 1995. Without her, Tejano music never would have been popular. She was so inspiring, she never made songs for money or fame. She sang because she loved it. It was her passion. She helped numerous charities with fundraisers. She was a powerful, inspiring woman who will not be forgotten. She never let money or fame make her different. Selena Quintanilla, also known as the Mexican Madonna, is a Hispanic hero!