Kansas City Takes to the Skies in Support of Voting
Kansas City, Mo. – There’s a vibrant scene taking place above our city, and it’s not just the usual planes flying past. Here, an inspiring **art form** is taking shape – quite literally! Mujahid Abdulrahim, an assistant professor at UMKC, is using aviation to communicate a powerful message to the community: **”Vote!”**
Flying High for Civic Engagement
Now, you might be wondering, how does one fly a plane to spell out a word? For Abdulrahim, it’s all part of his signature style of blendin**g aviation with civic advocacy.** “I’m a terrible drawer,” he humorously stated, “but this is the art form that I do.” Imagine taking a pen that’s zooming at 150 miles per hour, and you can’t take it off the page – that’s how he describes the thrill of writing messages in the sky with his aircraft.
Abdulrahim’s journey into aerial art began as a conversation with a colleague. They were brainstorming ways to promote **voter engagement** in a nonpartisan fashion. “We have this amazing freedom to fly and this amazing freedom to vote,” he noted, illustrating the connection between their dual passions.
A Message for the Community
On a clear Friday, Abdulrahim took to the skies again, but this time, the focus was on getting people fired up for the upcoming election on November 5. Unlike past flights, which saw him crafting logos for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, this time he boldly spelled out the word **“vote.”** He emphasized that his goal wasn’t to tell people whom to vote for, but simply to encourage everyone to participate in the democratic process.
In the Cockpit with Students
This particular flight was special as he invited a few students to join him in the cockpit. “I told them, ‘This is not going to be a comfortable flight, but it’s going to be a fun flight,’” he explained. True to his words, the experience involved some impressive aerial maneuvers that would put even seasoned pilots to the test.
To write the letters accurately, Abdulrahim had to pull some serious G-forces, causing the students’ cheeks to sag a bit during tight turns. “It’s a challenge for students who have never done this before, but it’s also a lot of fun,” he added. His enthusiasm for teaching and engaging with his students was clear as he described how this experience was about more than just art; it was about stimulating a sense of civic duty.
More Flights Ahead
Looking ahead, Abdulrahim has plans for more flights as the election date inches closer. He explained that something that really bothers him is **voter apathy.** “This is dictating the course of our country,” he mentioned. “Just like I care about the navigation for our aircraft, I also care about the navigation for our country.”
A Call to Action
In a way, Abdulrahim’s flights serve as a friendly reminder for all of us. If you’re a resident of Kansas City, or even just passing through, keep an eye on the skies. These stunning aerial messages are not just cool to look at; they’re a rallying cry to ensure that your voice is heard in the upcoming election.
So, mark your calendars for November 5, and remember that each vote counts. Whether you’re crafting messages in the air like Abdulrahim or simply heading to the polling place, get involved, stay informed, and make sure to **cast your vote!**
