How to edit imported image

[#1]

Completely new to Illustrator.

How can I edit this image on Illustrator to where I only keep the letters and the backgroud is compeltely gone. I need to convert to svg. 

[#2 · Accepted solution]

What format is the file? If it is an Illustrator file, just select the black rectangle and delete it.

If it is a bitmap (jpg, png, psd, etc), I would do this in Photoshop and not Illustrator. Select the letters, remove the background—multiple options depending on your Photoshop abilities.

In both apps, use File > Export > Export as to save as an SVG file.

~Barb 

[#3]

Thank you so much! This helps! I was going insane trying to do it with Illustrator!