Back in 2017 we were all “muy excited” to see that Google was honoring La Reina, Selena, with a Google Doodle. Watching the animated short film, we just felt the spirit in our huesitos (bones) that there might be a Latina from Texas (Tejana) behind this “doodle that’d been done.” We were RIGHT!
Perla Campos, Global Marketing Lead at Google Doodle, from Granbury, TX (near Ft. Worth) explained what Selena means to her, in her written piece that accompanied the doodle.
“As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant single mom living in a small (primarily white) town in rural Texas, I was one of the people Selena and her legacy profoundly influenced. My love of music started with her. One of my dearest childhood memories is of my mom and I belting Bidi Bidi Bom Bom and Techno Cumbia in the family van during our annual road trips to Mexico. I even sang Selena classics in talent shows across northeast Texas [photo evidence below, courtesy of my Mom].
Aside from incredible dance moves and how to belt some serious notes, watching Selena taught me that being Latina was a powerful thing, and that with hard work and focus I could do whatever I set my mind to. Watching her showed me that this hybrid cultural identity of mine was a valuable gift I should embrace. Watching her made me proud of being Mexicana.
…So the best thing I can say is thank you, Selena. Thank you for being a role model and a hero to a little Latina girl in Granbury, Texas. Thank you for teaching her that she could dream big and make it. And thank you for all the inspiration and joy your music and legacy continues to bring to the world.”
Now Perla has done it again! If you have logged on recently, you might have noticed the Lotería Google image, and maybe even gasped with delight the way we did. Once you click on the image the game unfolds and it is COMPLETE WITH FRIJOLES, made us instantly want to shout out, “BUENAS!”
In her written piece she also explains the collaboration that came together to make this project come to fruition.
“It was exciting to collaborate with five Mexican and Mexican-American illustrators to reimagine many of the classic Lotería game art for the Doodle—along with some new cards for a fun sorpresa! We also partnered with popular Mexican YouTuber Luisito Comunica, who serves in the iconic role of game card announcer for the Doodle.
Although it has changed a great deal since being officially copyrighted in Mexico on this day 106 years ago, Lotería is still wildly popular today across Mexico and Latinx communities, whether as a Spanish language teaching tool or for family game night.”
*you can read her full comments here, Celebrating Lotería.
Our publication “Nobleza” was created to uplift Latinx achievements in Texas (and beyond) and to celebrate those who are game changers in our community, Perla Campos you are Nobleza. Not only are we proud that you are representing Latina Texas/ Tejanas but we are also inspired at how you continue to use your voice and platform to bring the beauty of our Mexican/Mexican-American culture to the masses. BUENAS!
NOBLEZA MAGAZINE 