Houston Daily

Selena commemorative coin act introduced to honor Tejano icon
Government
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U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz representing Texas' 15th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz from Texas has introduced the Selena Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation comes in honor of "Selena Day" and celebrates the life and contributions of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, a prominent figure in South Texas and beyond.

Congresswoman De La Cruz emphasized Selena’s impact by stating, "Selena Quintanilla-Pérez is remembered as 'The Queen of Tejano' for her passion, talent, and music that changed the industry forever. Selena inspired millions by elevating Tejano music to the mainstream and shattering glass ceilings. Honoring her with a coin is more than symbolic, it’s a step forward in recognizing her contributions to American history and keeping her memory alive for generations.”

The proposed act would task the United States Mint with creating a commemorative coin to recognize Selena Quintanilla's permanent influence as a music icon. Selena, known widely as "The Queen of Tejano," continues to be a symbol in the Latino community for her achievements and her ability to elevate Tejano music into the mainstream.

Selena, who would have celebrated her 54th birthday on April 16th, gained prominence during the 1990s. Her albums, such as "Amor Prohibido" and the posthumously released "Dreaming of You," achieved record-breaking success and contributed significantly to the visibility of Tejano music.

Although her life ended at the age of 23, Selena’s legacy endures. She is remembered through her Grammy Award, her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and numerous tributes from her fans around the world.