Selena Quintanilla-Perez memorial on the seawall in Corpus Christi. Photo by JoAnna Kopp
The Selena honors continue. Hometown celebrity Selena Quintanilla Perez will be inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Texas Woman’s University in Denton on Oct. 21. The Governor’s Commission for Women on Aug. 18 announced a list of five inductees, which also included Emma Carter Browning (aviation), Susie Hitchcock-Hall (business), Ginger Kerrick (STEM) and Dr. Renu Khator (public service).
The Women’s Hall of Fame accepts nominations every two years for any native or current residents, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions that have benefited the state. Selena was nominated by Corpus Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez in April.
“Selena's story transcends cultural differences and continues to inspire people around the world,” the Mayor’s statement read. “She is remembered as an icon for her musical accomplishments as well as for the joy that the memory of her charismatic personality continues to bring to her fans.”
A panel of judges selects recipients.
Selena and Browning are the only two of the five receiving the honor posthumously.
Selena was a Grammy Award-winning Latin recording artist who became one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the 20th century. Other honors bestowed on her this year include a wax figure to be revealed this month at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Hollywood, California, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a line of cosmetics based on her looks from M.A.C. The cosmetics are expected on the market in September. No date has been set for the Walk of Fame.
"I am honored to welcome these five extraordinary women into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “Whether in public service, the arts, business or education, these leaders have inspired generations of Texans to reach new heights, achieve new goals and elevate the Lone Star State. I would like to thank each of the honorees and their families for their enduring contributions to the state of Texas.”
The Governor’s Commission for Women established the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1984 to honor the Lone Star State’s most accomplished women. Past inductees include first ladies, teachers, astronauts and athletes. In March 2003, the commission established a permanent Texas Women’s Hall of Fame exhibit on the TWU campus, which currently features the biographies and photographs of the 146 recipients.
