Selena

The singer-songwriter was also a singer-performer, and designer who broke through obstacles in the field. She was Mexican-American, but still traditional. She introduced Tejano into mainstream music. Her tragic death cut a hole in her growing popularity and, as often happens when a glowing, charming superstar dies young, she has left many mourning her unrealized potential. In the following years, fans were inspired to work even harder in order to ensure that her accomplishments would not go unnoticed. Selena's tragic death by shooting caused a reaction in the Latino Community that was comparable to reactions following the deaths of Elvis Presley or John Lennon. A hugely popular performer within Latino communities across North America her music crossed lines of cultural difference to affect the lives of children as well as old. Selena may have been hailed by some as the Latina Madonna, however she is still a great character model. Selena's family values off stage as well as her involvement in AIDS awareness campaigns make her a good example.