California establishes official 'Bruce Lee Day'

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on June 30 officially designating May 17 as "Bruce Lee Day" in the state, recognizing the globally renowned martial artist, filmmaker and cultural icon who was born in San Francisco.

The designation makes Bruce Lee the first Chinese American in California history to be honored with an annual statewide commemorative day.

Under the legislation, May 17 was selected because on that day in 1959, the 18-year-old Bruce Lee returned to the United States from Hong Kong, arriving in San Francisco before embarking on his martial arts and film career that would ultimately influence audiences around the world.

The law encourages schools, cultural institutions and community organizations to mark the occasion through educational programs, exhibitions and public events highlighting Lee's contributions to martial arts, cinema, cultural exchange and Chinese American history.