Generally speaking, society has a tendency to look to media for representation. Growing up in the insurgence of multiple new media outlets in the early 2000s, this need for proper representation felt even more essential. Although it was not evident to me as a young child, there was always a need to see prominent and successful examples of Latinx culture. I remember the days of turning on the TV to watch shows like Taina and the Brothers Garcia. Those days were short lived as those shows got cancelled, but I will never forget the feeling of being represented in popular culture. It is something that every person should be able to feel, all the time.
While there has been many success stories of the Latina spirit whether it be from the art of Frida Kahlo or the musicality of Jennifer Lopez, one of the biggest Latina success stories was that of Selena Quintanilla. I will never forget the first heartache of watching the self-titled film, Selena, or the happiness of listening to her music and watching her perform. It was something that I feel grateful enough to have seen as a child. It sparked a flame in me that I am sure many others had as well; it gave me hope.
Selena’s story is one of triumph and success; people dream of accomplishing all the feats Selena overcame in her twenty-three years of life. Selena stands as an icon for Latinx culture, music, and so much more. She made the seemingly out of reach seem possible by redefining Latin music and crossing barriers. In fact, by 2015, Selena was named the best selling female artist in Latin music history by selling more than sixty-five million units across the world. Thus, it is no wonder why the Latina phenomenon is often referred to as the Queen of Tejano music and seen as the Latinx equivalent of Marilyn Monroe or Madonna. Although her death came far too soon, Selena remains a symbol of hope, promise, and success. This is one of many reasons why Selena’s legacy continues to have monumental impact twenty-two years after her death.
With this in mind, it is one of the greatest honors to say that 2,622 stars later, Selena finally received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 3rd, 2017. It has been a long time coming, but Selena’s star shines as a glimmering example of hardwork and perseverance. As images, videos, and headlines flooded the internet after the grand reveal, I could not help but smile. Although few people knew Selena personally, her success feels like the personal success of the Latinx community. She was able to embody grace, elegance, and pure talent in such a short amount of time. She is truly the Latina queen.
While Latinx representation is still not what it needs to be, Selena’s star acts as a symbol of our spirit and culture. Her star feels like the ultimate victory to many as the Hollywood Walk of Fame adds its 89th Latinx star. Thus, although Latinx peoples roughly make up a meager 3.39% of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Selena’s unveiling drew in the largest crowd the Walk of Fame ceremony has even seen, even ending the event with an impromptu honorary walk of celebration. As a result, it is easy to see the breadth of Latinx culture in America, and how deeply Selena, in particular, reflects the spirit of countless Latinx people.
There is an immediate urgency to feel represented in today’s culture. As a young girl, I was unaware of such means. However, this does not mean that other young Latinas and Latinos have to feel excluded from any sort of narrative. Selena’s star shows strides in the Latinx community. As a result, more little boys and girls can actively learn about their culture and see its impact. Although many people may view it as another star on a walk of 2000+ stars, this one star has influenced the lives of many and will continue to do so. One act may seem small, but it has the power to break through walls and glass ceilings. As Selena once said, “the goal isn’t to live forever, but to create something that will.”
Well, Selena, you fulfilled that goal.