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Texas State Senate Resolution
Selena Remembered
Copyright 2001 -- All Rights Reserved; No Part may be duplicated without permission from MOCKBA1.  Selena Photo between White Roses is Property of EMI-Latin.
S.R. No. 619
Background Provided by:
In Memory of Selena Quintanilla-Perez
          Whereas, Selena Quintanilla-Perez, who as Lead Singer of  the internationally famous Tejano group "Selena y Los Dinos" was instrumental in making the Texas Tejano industry vibrant and world renown, died March 31, 1995; and

          Whereas, She was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson and moved to Corpus Christi where in 1980, at the early age of nine, she began working to help support her family as the Lead Singer for "Selena y Los Dinos"; and

          Whereas, In 1987 Selena attained her first success when she was the recipient of the Female Vocalist of the Year and Performer of the Year awards at the Tejano Music Awards; In 1991 Selena was the first female Tejano recording artist to receive a Gold Record with the song, "Ven Conmigo"; in 1993 she received the Grammy Award for best Mexican American performance for her album "Selena Live"; in 1993 Selena won Female Singer, Song and Album of the Year from "Premio Lo Nuestro," long recognized as the Latin equivalent of the Grammys; in 1994 she debuted in New York, Los Angeles, Argentina, and Puerto Rico and became the first female crossover Latin artist signed to the SBK sister label to EMI Latin recording company; and in 1995 Selena won six Tejano Music Awards including top female vocalist for the eighth time and was nominated for her second Grammy Award for her song "Amor Prohibido"; and

          Whereas, Selena was equally as popular in Mexico as in Texas, having been featured as one of the Giants of Latin Music in one of Latin America's most-watched shows, "Siempre en Domingo," and appearing in the internationally watched soap opera "Dos Mujeres, Un Camino"; and

          Whereas, What Selena unprecedentedly accomplished at the tender age of 23 is something "others spend a lifetime attempting to achieve, and perhaps never do"; and

          Whereas, Scores of fans are joining together to honor Selena's one-of-a-kind talent not only in Texas, but around the world; and

          Whereas, Selena's admirable career, reflecting her ambitions and dedication, made positive strides in breaking through the ethnic, cultural, age and language barriers that divide people and nations; and

          Whereas, This Corpus Christi rolemodel inspired and represented the hopes and dreams of millions of followers who collectively identified with her as the young girl who grew up in "Molina," the west side of Corpus Christi, embodying the heart and soul of all Mexican Americans; and

          Whereas, Selena's fame and its humble beginnings in her South Texas community in the midst of family birthday parties, afternoon barbecues, and "quinceaneras," representing the essence of South Texas culture; and

          Whereas, The loss of this special friend, who proudly demonstrated her hometown pride in every concert and accomplishment achieved, will be felt by millions of fans and young Latinos who see her not only as a peer, but as a sister who personified the coming of their generation; and

          Whereas, With strong family support, Selena was able to stay away from the downfalls of the night life that plague many and achieved wholesome, unprecedented fame; from the beginning Selena showed herself to be a level-headed rising star, and in the words of her father, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr., Selena "was starting to bloom, not only as a person but as an artist"; and

          Whereas, With all her stardom, fame and fortune Selena never forgot her humble beginnings and always took the time out of her busy schedule to express the importance of an education to young people; in her words while speaking to a young crowd in a "Stay in School Jamboree" in San Antonio's Alamodome, "Please remember that an education is important... You can do anything you put your mind to.  Remember, the impossible is always possible"; and

          Whereas, Education was a major factor in her life; Selena persevered in obtaining her high school diploma through a correspondence course since her singing career kept her away from school, and she was also pursing a college degree through a similar correspondence program; and

          Whereas, Selena introduced an educational video for students at Cunningham Middle School in Corpus Christi at a time when the youth of America need the best leadership possible, when they should be looking up to positive role models that will guide them to the path of success by capitalizing on the best of their talents; and

          Whereas, This civic-minded person was actively involved witht he business of building a thriving community by working with organizations such as DARE, the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation, and others; and

          Whereas, This enterprising young Tejana worked diligently over the years, building a multi-million dollar singing career and more recently establishing a boutique and hair salon in Corpus Christi and San Antonio; and

          Whereas, Selena's career was reaching new heights by breaking into television, and most recently playing a singer in the soon to be released film "Don Juan DeMarco" starring Marlon Brando and Johnny Depp; and

          Whereas, Selena was a rising star on the international music scene, having performed in Guatemala and Argentina and drawing crowds reserved for international rock stars in Mexico; and

          Whereas, Texas' single most important resource is its people, and the state's changing demographic composition presents both promises and challenges for our young people in the future; and

          Whereas, Selena Quintanilla-Perez tragically lost her life two weeks before her 24th birthday; and

          Whereas, The legacy of this native Texan star will live in the hearts and minds of countless children touched by her and millions of adoring fans across the world; now, therefore be it

          Resolved,  That the Senate of the State of Texas, 74th Legislature, hereby honor the life, career and personal convictions of this self-made international star and acknowledge the impact that this young Tejana has had across the world; and be it further

          Resolved, That copies of this Resolution be prepared under the official seal of the Senate and be sent to the surviving members of her family:  her husband, Chris Perez; her parents Abraham and Marcela Quintanilla; her brother, Abraham "A.B." Quintanilla III; her sister, Suzette Arriaga; and her grandfather, Abraham Quintanilla, Sr., as an expression of sympathy; "En paz descanse, reina de la musica Tejana."

Adopted on April 3,1995
by a rising voice vote