Selena

She was a singer, performer and designer and broke barriers in the world of music. She was at once contemporary and traditional a Mexican-American singer who brought together the two worlds in a singular way--and brought incredible Tejano music to a mainstream crowd. Her tragic death cut a hole in her growing popularity and, as often happens the moment a brilliant, warm superstar dies young, she caused many to grieve every potential that was not fully realized. To prevent her achievements from becoming forgotten, many fans over the last few years have been motivated to achieve more. Her tragic murder by a gunman triggered the outpouring of emotions within Latino communities, similar the way people reacted following the deaths of Elvis Presley as well as John Lennon's. A hugely popular performer within Latino communities throughout North America her music crossed lines of cultural difference to affect people young as well as old. Selena was a sexy and flamboyant stage performer and was often called the Latina Madonna. In her off-stage life, Selena was also an outstanding role model, as she actively participated in antidrug and AIDS campaigning.