Bruce Lee to be Honored with First Chinese-American Day in California History
Quick Look
- California will officially designate May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, honoring the martial arts icon and first Chinese-American to have a namesake day in the state.
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law, championed by Assemblymember Matt Haney, recognizing Lee's enduring legacy.
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Why It Matters
Bruce Lee, born in San Francisco, returned to the city on May 17, 1959, after his childhood in Hong Kong. He is being honored with the first Chinese-American namesake day in California.
Martial arts icon Bruce Lee, who was born in San Francisco, will become the first Chinese-American in California history with an annual namesake day.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law on Tuesday afternoon officially designating May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, according to the office of state Assemblymember Matt Haney, who represents San Francisco.
An 18-year-old Lee returned to San Francisco on May 17, 1959, after spending his childhood in Hong Kong.
Lee’s daughter, Shannon, who is CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation, said the honour is a testament to her father’s enduring legacy as a bridge between cultures.
“From young people who found confidence and possibility in his philosophy, to families who finally saw themselves represented on screen, to athletes who still draw on his teachings of discipline and inner strength, his reach is profound,” Shannon Lee said in a statement.
Haney called Lee the epitome of the best of California.
