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Soledad Chávez Chacón

Soledad Chávez Chacón (1890–1936) broke barriers in New Mexico politics following the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment. She won election as secretary of state of New Mexico in 1922, making her not only one of the first two women elected to New Mexico state office but also the first hispaña elected to state office. She again made history in June 1924 when she became New Mexico’s first female acting governor.

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Selena

Selena (1971–1995), known as the Queen of Tejano Music, achieved a level of superstardom that rivalled any artist in the history of Latin music. Her hit albums Ven Conmingo (1991), Entre a Mi Mundo (1992), which contained her signature song “Como la flor,” and Amor Probibido (1994) revolutionized the genre. Her career and influence were on a dramatic ascent when she was murdered by the founder of her fan club at age 23. An outpouring of public grief occurred in the aftermath, a recognition of her role as a key figure of Latinx popular music and culture in the United States and abroad.

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The March 2025 update of the American National Biography update features 31 revised essays and 44 retrospective images.

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News

MARCH 27, 2025

What’s New: March 2025

The March 2025 update of the American National Biography update features 31 revised essays and 44 retrospective images.

FEBRUARY 27, 2025

What’s New: February 2025

The February update of the American National Biography features seven new essays, including writer Paule Marshall; singer and actress Della Reese; film director Stanley Donen; U. S. Senator Richard Lugar; poet W. S. Merwin; playwright Terrence McNally; and actress Joan Bennett.

JANUARY 23, 2025

What’s New: January 2025

The January update of the American National Biography features six new essays, including country music singer and songwriter Loretta Lynn; labor activist Dorothy Bolden; actress Jane Powell; priest and biblical scholar Raymond E. Brown; aviation pioneer John Joseph Montgomery; and visual artist Nancy Spero.