Fans of the late Mexican American music icon Selena are celebrating her life and legacy as the 30th anniversary of her tragic death approaches. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recently denied parole to Yolanda Saldívar, the woman convicted of killing Selena in 1995. “It is best that Yolanda stays in prison because that crime was more than gun violence,” said Lauren Susan, a New York City-based performer who became a fan after watching the 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez.
Sonya Alemán, an associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, noted that fans feel Saldívar wronged not just Selena but an entire community. “There is just such a love for her, and it gets manifested as a need to protect, and in some way try to demand justice,” Alemán said. In Corpus Christi, Texas, preparations are underway to honor Selena’s memory.
Bronze statues have been recoated, and new flowers adorn a mural ahead of the anniversary, according to volunteer Mario Gomez. Selena rose to stardom in the male-dominated genre of Tejano music, winning a Grammy in 1994.
Parole board denies Saldívar’s request
Her legacy was amplified by the 1997 film, which introduced new fans to her life story. Leila Cobo of Billboard says Selena remains one of the top five Latin female artists on the charts every year. The Quintanilla family and Chris Pérez, Selena’s husband, released a statement saying, “Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration.
She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit.”
The parole board determined Saldívar still posed “a continuing threat to public safety” despite her claims. Alemán fosters a newer generation of Selena fans in her college class, studying the singer’s lasting impact. “The knowledge that the community carries about who she is, why she matters to them, is worth studying,” she said.
Selena’s family and fans unite in celebrating her life rather than the tragedy that took her away. “We will continue to celebrate Selena’s life and ask that all who cherish her do the same.”
