California Declares Bruce Lee Day, First for Chinese-American
On May 17, California Governor Gavin Newsom enacted legislation to establish Bruce Lee Day, honoring the martial arts legend as the first Chinese-American to have an annual commemorative day in the state. This date signifies Lee's arrival back in San Francisco on May 17, 1959, following his upbringing in Hong Kong. The announcement was made by Assemblymember Matt Haney, who serves San Francisco. Shannon Lee, CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation and Lee's daughter, remarked that this recognition embodies her father's enduring legacy as a cultural connector. Haney praised Lee as a representation of California's finest.
Key facts
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law on Tuesday afternoon.
- Bruce Lee Day will be observed annually on May 17.
- Lee was born in San Francisco.
- He returned to San Francisco on May 17, 1959, at age 18.
- This is the first such honor for a Chinese-American in California.
- Assemblymember Matt Haney represents San Francisco and announced the signing.
- Shannon Lee is CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation.
- The law was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Entities
Artists
- Bruce Lee
- Shannon Lee
Institutions
- Bruce Lee Foundation
Locations
- California
- San Francisco
- Hong Kong