Hip Hoppa Locka Wants You to See Opa-locka with New Eyes

(Miami New Times)

Opa-locka was founded in the 1920's with an Arabian theme. "Hollywood was making movies about the Muslim world and there was a romanticized stereotype of Muslims as sultans with swords instead of terrorists with bombs." Kathryn Garcia, executive director of MDC Live Arts, explains. "Developer (Glenn Curtiss) wanted a city with an Arabian Nights motif. Buildings were designed that way like their city hall and you have streets with names like Ali Baba Avenue."