The city of Oakland is set to pay tribute to the legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee by renaming an intersection where he once established a martial arts studio. The crossing of Garnet Street and Broadway will soon be known as "Bruce Lee Way."
Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan has championed the resolution to rename the intersection and install a commemorative plaque in Lee's honor. Last week, the City Council's Special Rules and Legislation Committee voted to advance the resolution, and it is anticipated to receive full approval at the upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday.
Bruce Lee, born in San Francisco and raised in Hong Kong, moved to Oakland in 1964 to live with James Yimm Lee, a respected Chinese martial artist who was twenty years his senior. Together, they founded the second Jun Fan martial arts studio in Oakland, marking a significant milestone in Lee's career and contributing to his enduring legacy.
Lee's influence extended beyond martial arts; he was a groundbreaking figure in combating racist portrayals of Asians in film and television during the 1960s and '70s. His efforts paved the way for more authentic and respectful representations of Asian characters. Tragically, Lee's life was cut short at the age of 32 due to an allergic reaction to painkillers. Despite his untimely death, his impact on martial arts and popular culture remains profound.
The renaming of the intersection is a fitting tribute to Lee's legacy and his contributions to the Oakland community.