"I was the first person to come into New York with a Latin American point of view which was also very much influenced by political happenings in Latin America"

In this quote, Ruben Blades is explaining his unique viewpoint as a Latin American individual getting in New York. He explains that his perspective is greatly affected by the political events and concerns occurring in Latin America. This suggests that Blades brings a various viewpoint and understanding of the world to New York, one that is formed by his cultural background and the existing occasions in his home nation. By specifying that he was the first person to bring this perspective to New York, Blades highlights the value of variety and the value of different viewpoints in shaping a more well-rounded and inclusive society.