; Whereas Alejandro Fernandez, El Potrillo , continues the legacy of ranchera music, having sold over 20,000,000 albums across the world; Whereas Gloria Estefan, a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress, Grammy award winner, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, emerged as a pioneering figure in Latin pop music during the 1980s and 1990s, achieving international acclaim with hits such as Conga , which fused Latin rhythms with contemporary pop sensibilities, and her contributions to the genre helped propel Latin music into the mainstream; Whereas Emilio Estefan, a prominent and visionary figure in the Latin music industry, has made significant contributions to the genre as an award-winning songwriter, producer, musician, mentor, and entrepreneur, and was the first artist to receive the grand distinction of Person of the Year during the Latin Grammy Awards in 2000; Whereas, from establishing the Miami Sound Machine to working with renowned artists such as Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernandez, Jon Secada, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira, Emilio Estefan’s influence has been instrumental in defining Latin crossover and introducing Latin rhythms and culture to mainstream audiences worldwide; Whereas Selena Quintanilla, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music”, left a profound and enduring impact on the United States through her distinctive fusion of Tejano music with contemporary pop and R&B, captivating audiences across the United States and beyond as a Mexican-American artist, and her legacy continues beyond the 1980s and 1990s, resonating with fans to this day; Whereas bachata, with its blend of European, indigenous Taino, and African elements, reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic; Whereas the pioneering work of the band Aventura, originating in New York, played a significant role in popularizing the genre of bachata in the United States, garnering widespread popularity and acclaim