NBC News | Bruce Lee Day
Bruce Lee in the early 1970s. [Getty Images file]
NBC News
California to institute Bruce Lee Day, a first for a Chinese American in the state’s history
Born in San Francisco, Lee will become the first Chinese American in California history with an annual namesake day.
July 2, 2026, 12:38 AM PDT / Source: The Associated Press
By The Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — Martial arts icon Bruce Lee, who was born in San Francisco, will become the first Chinese American in California history with an annual namesake day.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Tuesday afternoon officially designating May 17 as Bruce Lee Day, according to the office of state Assemblymember Matt Haney, who represents San Francisco.
An 18-year-old Lee returned to San Francisco on May 17, 1959, after spending his childhood in Hong Kong.