California creates Bruce Lee Day, a state first for a Chinese American
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation making May 17 an annual day honoring the San Francisco-born martial arts star.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
California has established an annual Bruce Lee Day, making the martial arts actor the first Chinese American to receive a namesake day in the state, according to the Associated Press. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure Tuesday, designating May 17 for the San Francisco-born performer.
The date marks Lee’s return to San Francisco on May 17, 1959, at age 18 after spending his childhood in Hong Kong, the AP reported. Lee was born in San Francisco in 1940 while his Chinese parents were touring the United States with an opera company.
Shannon Lee, Lee’s daughter and the CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation, said in a statement that the honor recognizes her father’s lasting role as a cultural bridge. She said young people, families who saw themselves reflected on screen and athletes who follow his teachings continue to draw from his work.
State Assembly member Matt Haney, who represents San Francisco, praised Lee as representing California at its best, according to the AP. Haney said Lee helped create stronger and more dignified visibility for Asian Americans during a period when they were often omitted from entertainment or portrayed through stereotypes.
The Bruce Lee Foundation and Asian-American organizations want the day to be marked each year through voluntary programming, the AP reported. Those activities could include cultural exhibitions, public events and classroom lessons.
From San Francisco to Hong Kong and Hollywood
According to the AP, Lee moved to Hong Kong as an infant and became a child actor there. He also studied Chinese kung fu before returning to the United States in 1959.
Lee enrolled at the University of Washington in Seattle in 1961, then left school to teach martial arts, the AP reported. During the 1960s, he worked in Hollywood, including his role as Kato in the television series The Green Hornet.
Lee said studios placed him in racist roles and paid him less than white actors, according to the AP. He later returned to Hong Kong and appeared in martial arts films including The Big Boss and Fist of Fury.
Lee died in 1973 at age 32 after an allergic reaction to pain medication, the AP reported. His public following has endured, with fans gathering on his birthday and a television treatment he wrote later helping inspire the HBO Max series Warrior.
The governor’s office announced the signing among legislation approved on June 30. The new designation puts Lee into California’s official calendar more than five decades after his death.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.