Selena

She broke down barriers within the music business as a singer, performer as well as a designer. The dual nature of her role as the Mexican American star was both modern and traditional. She helped bring Tejano to mainstream fame in an innovative way. Her sudden passing that shattered the rising star's profile. This is what happens to many stars who die too young. In order to prevent her accomplishments from being forgotten, many fans over the last few time have been inspired to do even more. The tragic shooting death of Tejano singer Selena caused a resurgence in the Latino community that could be compared to the reactions to the death of Elvis Presley and John Lennon. An enormously popular singer within Latino communities across North America her music crossed lines of cultural difference to affect the lives of children as well as old. Selena may have been hailed by some as an Latina Madonna, but she is still a great role model. Selena's values of family life offstage and involvement in AIDS awareness programs provide a great example.