Memorandum

To: Professor Lucci

From: Julio Angel Garcia
Date: April 4, 2015
Subject: Selena's Legacy: Remembering the Singer on the 20th Anniversary of Her
Death
On March 31, 1995 the world suffered the unexpected loss of Selena Quintanilla; a
talented singer, performer, song writer, actress and fashion designer. It is now 20 years
since her passing and her family, friends and fans continue mourn her loss and work to
keep her music and legacy alive.
In honor of the late singer, Billboard.com released an article written by Erika Ramirez
titled Selenas Legacy: Remembering the Singer on the 20 Anniversary of her death.
The article serves to reflect on the life and death of the Selena, in addition to catching
up with her family members. Most importantly, the article serves to share the legacy
Selena left behind. Throughout the article, Ramirez uses great dosage of pathos and
logos to appeal to the readers emotions and logic on the subject.
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Erika Ramirez begins the article by touching the hearts of the reader by disclosing, I
couldnt ask about her death. Not that I was asked not to, I couldnt. Although it has
been talked about numerous times since her passing in 1995, Selenas death is a
touchy subject because in the way that she died. I think that in order to respect the
feelings of her family she chose to focus on asking them about positive memories they
have with Selena as oppose to remembering her tragic loss. She does touch on the
events that took place briefly though.
An excellent example of logos in the article is where Ramirez talks about Yolanda
Saldivar, Selenas fan club president and the person responsible for Selenas death.
She summarizes, Selena had met with Saldvar earlier that morning to discuss
business matters, according to reports. Earlier in the month, Saldvar was accused of
embezzling money from Selena's fan club and fashion boutiques. Selena took her to the
Doctors Regional Hospital, after Saldvar claimed she was raped in Mexico. The doctors
suggested for Saldvar to visit a hospital in San Antonio since the alleged rape occurred
in another jurisdiction, according to trial testimonies. The duo returned to the Days Inn
motel where Saldvar was staying at. An argument broke out, and Saldvar shot Selena,
severing an artery. She ran to escape Saldvar, collapsing in the motel lobby after loss
of blood. Saldvar was sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole in 30 years
(2025).These facts of Selenas death have been proven in the court and shared with
the public year after year since her passing. It is also portrayed as the ending scene in
Selena, the 1997 biopic starring Jennifer Lopez as Selena.
Erika Ramirez appeals to the readers emotions throughout majority of the article. She
states that the people of Corpus Christi, Texas speak of Selena as if shes still alive
today, but remember her as if she passed yesterday. Ramirez is emphasizing the
impact Selena had in her community both before and after her passing. It is extremely

touching and emotional because Selena was so young when she passed. She was only
24 years old so you take a moment and think about the great impact she had at such a
young age there is no telling the impact she would have if she were still alive today. It is
devastating and at the same time frustrating to know that Yolanda Saldivar stole such a
precious gem from the world.
Erika Ramirez did a wonderful job in appealing to my logic but most importantly
emotions. Selena was and continues to be one of my favorite entertainers of all time.
Since watching the film at the age four in 1997 I have followed her life, her death and
the legacy she has left behind. To this day I cannot help but be full of sadness on March
31st because it marks another year that she has been gone and another year that she
is not returning. Although I will never have the opportunity to attend a Selena concert I
am grateful for all that she left behind for fans like me to enjoy.