In early July, the State of California officially designated May 17th ‘Bruce Lee Day’
“May 17 has officially been named Bruce Lee Day, marking the day he returned to San Francisco from Hong Kong at age 18 — as Lee was born here and received birthright citizenship, which led to the launch of his acting and martial arts career in the US.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill this week after it was introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney, making Bruce Lee the first Chinese American honored with an official day of recognition in California, as KPIX reports. The state will encourage schools, museums, and community organizations to mark May 17 with educational programs, cultural exhibits, and other events celebrating Lee’s life and contributions.
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Lee was born at Chinese Hospital in San Francisco in 1940 while his parents were in the city during his father Lee Hoi Chuen’s 12-month run of performances at Chinatown’s Mandarin Theatre. Chuen was a prominent Hong Kong opera singer and actor, and Lee’s mother, Grace, was a wardrobe manager for the production.”
Bruce Lee is probably the most famous Asian American today even though he passed away in 1973 – this is a testament as how iconic Lee was when broke into the public consciousness with his films and TV show – even though he only lived to be 32.
(Photo courtesy of 8Asians.com – mural of Bruce Lee in Chinatown, San Francisco)
