Street named after legendary producer, director Leonard Harper

One of the most influential African-American producers and directors of the Harlem Renaissance era was honored in a big way on Saturday.

The southeast corner of 132nd Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard is now known as Leonard Harper Way.

Harper produced more than 2000 shows on stage and screen with some of the greatest performers of the 1920's and 1930's.

His work is credited with creating opportunities for many other African Americans in the entertainment industry.

Harper was only 44 years old when he died in 1943.