California Designates May 17 as Bruce Lee Day

California officials signed legislation Tuesday afternoon designating May 17 as Bruce Lee Day. The measure makes Lee the first Chinese American in state history to receive an annual namesake day. The date commemorates Lee's return to San Francisco on May 17, 1959, after spending his childhood in Hong Kong. He was born in the city in 1940 to Chinese parents touring with an opera company.

Lee moved back to Hong Kong as an infant and later became a child actor there. He returned to the United States in 1959, enrolled at the University of Washington in 1961, and later dropped out to focus on martial arts. " He later achieved stardom in Hong Kong martial arts films such as "The Big Boss" and "Fist of Fury" before his death in 1973 at age 32.

Statements from family and legislators Lee's daughter, Shannon, who serves as CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation, said the designation reflects her father's lasting influence across 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.

State Assemblymember Matt Haney, whose district includes San Francisco, said Lee represented the best of California and helped generations of Asian Americans see themselves portrayed with strength and dignity. The Bruce Lee Foundation and Asian American organizations plan voluntary commemorative activities such as cultural exhibits, public events, and classroom lessons.