Like most Latino Muslims in the U.S., Imam Ocasio acknowledges the influence of African American Muslims, but also points to important differences. Latino Muslims like Imam Ocasio reject the idea that their culture came wholly from Europe, and instead trace their cultural ancestry to northern Africa. They were Moriscos, Moors forcibly converted to Christianity. The southerners, who did the menial jobs, slaves, artisans, foot soldiers, were of mixed Arab and African descent. They were stripped of their religion and culture, brought to the so-called New World where they were enslaved with African slaves.
Some scholars seem to agree.
Ocasio also sees Islamic influences in Spanish and Latin American architecture. There are churches and cathedrals in Latin America which were built facing Mecca. The debate over the Moorish influence in Spanish culture dates back to the early 20th century. While at that time many scholars refused to acknowledge Spain's Muslim and African past, or saw it as a negative influence if they admitted it at all, a few sought to celebrate that heritage. But it was much more common for Spanish intellectuals to dispute the extent of the Moorish influences and to look on that past with hostility.