Selena Quintanilla Awarded National Medal of Arts by the White House
The legacy of Selena Quintanilla, the beloved queen of Tejano music, was celebrated at the highest level as she was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Arts at the White House on October 22. President Joe Biden personally bestowed the honor, recognizing her enduring influence on the arts and culture in the U.S.
The National Medal of Arts, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), honors individuals and groups for their exceptional contributions to the advancement and enrichment of the arts. This prestigious award acknowledges those who have made a significant impact on cultural growth and creative expression in the country. Selena, a cultural icon whose music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, was included in the 2023 honorees, joining an illustrious group of trailblazers.
Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister and the drummer for Selena y Los Dinos, accepted the award on behalf of her late sister during the private ceremony. She shared the moment on social media, posting photos of herself holding the medal in the White House. "Extremely grateful for this honor given to my sister today," Suzette wrote, accompanied by a heartfelt purple heart emoji.
Other 2023 honorees included luminaries such as Queen Latifah, director Steven Spielberg, filmmaker Spike Lee, and documentarian Ken Burns. They all joined Selena in being celebrated for their contributions to American arts. The 2022 group, which was also recognized that evening, featured Eva Longoria, Tejano legend Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez, and rapper Missy Elliott.
NEA Chairperson Maria Rosario Jackson remarked on the importance of these awards, stating, “The arts enrich our lives, helping us to ask questions, imagine new possibilities, and create community. The NEA is pleased to join President Biden in congratulating the 2022 and 2023 National Medal of Arts recipients whose curiosity, creativity, hard work, and dedication have inspired and touched so many in our country and around the globe.”
Selena's influence continues to grow, even decades after her untimely passing. In July 2023, her landmark 1994 album Amor Prohibido was released on vinyl for the first time, further cementing her legacy and continuing to bring her timeless music to new generations of fans.
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