International Women’s Month: Latina Firsts

11.22.09

LIFESTYLE

International Women’s Month: Latina Firsts

03.13.2009 | 5:30pm | 17 Comments

In honor of International Women's Month, we decided to take a look at some pioneering Latina women from all over the world. Here are some of the ladies who broke down barriers and blazed the paths that we are all following to this day.

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Selena Selena was the first Tejano musician to go gold with the album Ven Conmigo, released in 1990 and opening the flood gates for many other Chicano and Mexican artists. Dubbed the “Queen of Tejano Music,” the Grammy nominated singer’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 23 when she was murdered by her former assistant.

Stregabella
03.14.2009
12:49am

I am so happy to see Dr. Antonia Novello here!!!!!!!!!!! Shout outs from a former Bronx student!!!!!!!!!! I was also happy to see many of the other inspirational Latinas here. Can we add Ingrid Betancourt to the list as well? Frida Kahlo? Esmeralda Santiago?

Stregabella
03.14.2009
12:37am

Perhaps it was not the fact that Selena had the first Tejano album to "go gold" within itself that made her a pioneering Latina Woman. Perhaps one should consider the fact that Selena, along with those such as Carlos Santana, Linda Ronstadt, Little Joe Hernandez + La Familia, along w/Freddy Fender had a strong + enduring influence on American music from the 1950s through today. Lest we not forget TD, that Selena's Music crossed cultural + linguistic barriers, she was extremely young, was musically gifted, + gave hope to young Latina/Chicana/Mexicana girls that one did not need blonde hair + blue eyes, or be Anglo to "make-it" in the entertainment industry.

LaDyPiCaSsO
03.14.2009
12:18am

FINALLY LATINA YOU HEARD ALL MY CRIES!!!!!!!! Selena is my idol I absolutely love her. im naming my first born daughter after her. shes amazing and i miss her so much. thank you for putting her first this means alot to me. TE QUIERO SELENA!! i miss you!

bizaguirre
03.13.2009
11:53pm

Unfortunately, I never knew or even heard of Selena until she was murdered, but as the murder started to unfold and develop I learned about who she was, where she was from and how popular she was in her music arena. It was in that time that I came to realize that she was a very gifted young lady with allot going for her future. It is sad that she had to leave us at such an early age in life, but I beleive that her memory and influence are alive and continue to make a difference for many. Lets not also forget that because of this tragedy another door opened up for then not so famous Jennifer Lopez. Today, I often think of Selena when I see young artists who follow their dreams and live thier lives with dedication and love as did Selena.

bonita1106
03.13.2009
6:43pm

wow! If you actual read the slide you would have learned that she was the first musician to have a Tejano alum go gold. Maybe you don't think that's a big deal, but that doesn't mean that you should belittle the accomplishment of others. I would say that there are probably a ton of Chicana musicians who consider her a pioneer. To this day, I know a lot of Latina women who look up to her, whether or not you approve. Thanks for letting me have my say ;)

TD
03.13.2009
8:25pm

I read the article, however, having a gold albulm does NOT make you a pioneer. I was not belittling her Gold hit, just stating that this is not what I consider a contibution to society, which is what women who pioneer suceed in acommplishing. Thanks for letting me have my say, TD:)

TD
03.13.2009
6:27pm

Selena had a charismatic personality and had an average singing voice..BUT...Pioneering? She pioneered nothing. Many Latins have won grammy's. What exactly did she pioneer? Latina Magazine...Cant you come up with some real and solid women who made a merited contribution to society and women. If you can't find them...just ask. Thanks for letting me have my say, TD :)