The French Legation State Historic Site is teaming up with the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center to honor the life of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who would’ve turned 53 on April 16th, 2024. Mary Margaret Kennedy with the French Legation and Oliva Tamzarian with the Mexican American Cultural Center joined Studio 512 to talk about how their organizations are celebrating the singer’s life and contributions to Tejano music.
Schedule of Events:
1. April 16th – Noon. Selena Webinar – Online
“The French Legation State Historic Site will moderate an online panel discussion with the film’s producer Moctesuma Esparza, Cine Las Americas, Texas Film Commission, and Texas Archive of the Moving Image, offering insights into Selena’s enduring legacy and the cultural significance of her real life story and the film’s impact.”
Free with registration. To register for the webinar, go to: https://bit.ly/3x3hSmL
Hosted by the Texas Historical Commission: online
2. Friday, April 19th – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Archival Viewing
“The University of Texas at Austin’s Benson Latin American Collection will offer a special viewing of archival materials from the Vicente and Connie Carranza collection showcasing the life of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Materials include photographs, magazines, and ephemera of the Queen of Tejano’s performances and life.”
Free
Benson Latin American Collection: 2300 Red River St, Austin, TX 78712
3. Friday, April 19th – 8:00 p.m. Selena Movie Screening
“The French Legation State Historic Site invites fans and neighbors alike to a special screening of the 1997 classic, Selena. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. with food for sale and complimentary beverages provided by Topo Chico and Coca Cola, and Carabuena Tequila for guests 21 and up. Come early for snacks from Siete and see the prescreening showcase of archival footage ahead of the movie at dark. Bring your picnic blanket, bring you family, and celebrate Selena’s birthday on the grounds of the French Legation.
Free
The French Legation State Historic Site: 802 San Marcos Street, Austin, TX 78702
Mary says, “We have other upcoming events at The French Legation! Join us for our Vintage Market on April 27th, where you can learn about our antiques, as well as collect treasures of your own! We have an Under the Oaks concert with Ruthie Craft on May 3rd, which is free to attend, with Live Oak Brewing providing beer for guests 21 and up (while supplies last)! Summer Camp begins next month, with a series of rotating offerings of classes and demonstrations on historic crafts and trades with a modern following, from flower arranging to hand quilting, bee keeping to knitting and more.”
Olivia says, “The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center has an upcoming event called La Mujer, a Celebration of Women, on Sunday, April 21st. In its 13th year, the ESB MACC’s annual La Mujer event celebrates women and women-identifying individuals in Austin’s Mexican American and Latina/o/x/e community.
“For the first time, the ESB MACC has partnered with The Cathedral gallery to creating an intimate space for this annual event where women can be seen, heard, and empowered. The event includes mental health and wellness programming from organizations such as Contigo Wellness and Austin Public Health, a BIPOC-centered marketplace by Frida Friday ATX, and visual art exhibits curated by Monica Ceniceros of the Cathedral, a women-owned gallery space in East Austin.
“The free event takes place on Sunday, April 21st, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Art Gallery located at 2403 E 16th St. Austin, TX 78702. Please note that pre-registration will give you access to the indoor workshops during La Mujer. The event takes place both indoors and outdoors and if you don’t register for a workshop, you will still have access to all of the other features of the event including all the outdoor activities and Frida Friday ATX market.”
