The stadium yelled in excitement preparing for the performance of a lifetime; the lights dimmed, the music rang in the audience’s ears. There she stood with a smile so wide, showing nothing more than joy on her face. Only a month later would people be mourning her death.
Selena Quintanilla, rising star Tejano singer, was killed on March 31, 1995, by her “best friend” Yolanda Saldivar. As her remembrance day approaches people prepared to celebrate her life, while others were conflicted with the possibility of Saldivar getting parole March 30.
The hearing moved up to March 27 and resulted with Saldivar being denied parole and will have another hearing in 2030. Saldivar was denied parole due to her being a threat to the public safety and will remain in prison.
“Oh gosh, I have heard people talk about this day for years,” Spanish teacher Elma Garnett said. “Many do not believe she will live very long once released.”
Quintanilla was a rising star in Texas and was loved by many. She was a designer and a musician. She opened her own boutique in 1994 and was known for her fashion statements, often creating outfits for herself and band members. Her music style was considered Texan-Mexican because of the use of English and Spanish in her songs. Her most famous song was “Como la Flor.”
“I am going to go with my all-time fav ‘Como la Flor,’” Garnett said. “It stuck because at one of her concerts, (as you see in her movie) she calms an irritated crowd. The song is about a break-up.”
Though she created music for fun with her family, Quintanilla also created music to spread messages to her audience. Her music often talked about relationships, such as heart, losing love, moving on and finding a new love, but her music also conveyed a message about living life to the fullest, self-worth and confidence and women empowerment.
“I was a freshman in high school when I first heard Selena,” Garnett said. “By my senior year, she was shot and [killed]. I remember that day. I was at the old high school walking when a friend came and told me. I couldn’t believe it. She had a positive influence on me, as she did on many teenagers/young women. She was young and had opened up the music industry and inspired so many to be great. Gave them hope for their futures. It’s crazy to think one person can do that, but that’s how amazing she was. It wasn’t just her singing; it was personality and character. Her clothing line was just a bonus! You still see kids still dress like her for Halloween. So Cute!”
Not only did her songs impact Texas, but she became a sensation all over the United States, even winning a few awards. In 1994 she won a Grammy for the Best Mexican-American Album making her the first Tejano artist to win. Her music constantly topped the charts and she won many more awards. Winning 36 Tejano Music Awards and14 Billboard awards.
“She definitely influenced [musicians] by breaking barriers in Spanish music,” Garrentt said. “She inspired them to add pop, rock, cumbia etc.”
To celebrate her achievements, her music, her message, her life, people honor her remembrance day as a way to honor her legacy and her impact on music culture. Not only do people honor her death, but have also dedicated an entire day in April. April 16 is known as Selena Day due to it being her birthday. By celebrating on this day people are recognizing her livelihood and focusing more on the journey of her life rather than the end and its lasting impacts.
“She was very lively person,” sophomore Paciencia Aguayo said. “Her positivity, like it showed in her music and I think we could all shape our personalities around her.”
However, this year as her remembrance day drew near, her killer Saladivar’s freedom was as well. Saladiva was found guilty of murdering Quintanilla and was convicted of first-degree murder, Oct. 23, 1995. Her sentence was life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Since then she has been housed in the Patrick O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas.
“I’m very angry,” Aguayo said. “There is no reason for her to get out so early. I don’t care if it was 30 years, that’s still too early. No need for it. I don’t feel very safe.”
Many people were angered with the chance of Saldivar gaining parole and waiting patiently for the court’s decision. March 27 the court sat Yolanda down once more in a courtroom and reviewed her trial, her behavior and if she would be a threat once released.
“I’m very happy, she didn’t even deserve to get out of prison,” Aguayo said. “She took the life of a young woman who had so much potential and influence.”
