An agent of change: visually impaired alumnus runs for Dearborn City Council

Note: Henry Ford College does not endorse candidates for political office. This article is for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement.

HFC alumnus Khodr Farhat, who’s been blind since birth, wants to be an agent of change.

“I want to send a message loud and clear that someone who’s blind and who’s also a minority can be successful,” said Farhat, of Dearborn.

That’s why he’s running for a seat on the Dearborn City Council.

“I’m running to represent all of Dearborn. I’m running to represent each resident, regardless of any circumstance, not just those who have physical challenges,” said Farhat.

Should he be elected on Tuesday, Nov. 2, one of Farhat’s top priorities is to support the Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns.

“The disabled community in Dearborn deserves to have a commission that’s active and visible in the city, working directly with the Office of the Mayor and the Council on many issues, especially during the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

Up for the challenge

Born in Lebanon, Farhat – the youngest of three – immigrated to the United States in 2009 at age 16. He didn’t speak English. He enrolled in Lincoln Park High School (LPHS) because it had a program for the visually impaired. He spent his free time learning English, determined to graduate on time from LPHS – which he did in 2012. Farhat is fluent in both English and Arabic, and can read both languages in braille.

“I knew it would be a challenge when I first came to the U.S. But I was up to the challenge. I was willing to do the work,” said Farhat. “The biggest hurdle to overcome was learning English. I knew if I didn’t learn the language, I wouldn’t be competitive in the classroom, nor would I be able to succeed.”

After graduating from LPHS, Farhat enrolled at HFC, where his older sister, Yassmine, graduated from in 2015. HFC political science professor Dr. Eric Rader had a profound impact on him.

“Thanks to Dr. Rader, I got a closer look at American politics and a better understanding of how it runs, how it works,” he said. “Being involved on campus and in many clubs planted in me the first seed of initiating change.”

"I’ve known Khodr for about 10 years," said Rader. "He is a passionate person whose advocacy for the rights of disabled students at HFC has impressed me. Khodr speaks out on behalf of students who too often are not heard. I also admire his academic successes at HFC and beyond. Khodr cares deeply about his education and is any teacher’s dream student. He most certainly has a bright future in whatever he chooses to do."

Agent of change

One of those changes was working hand-in-hand with then-HFC President Dr. Stan Jensen and HFC Facilities to make the campus friendlier for people with special needs. This included having braille signage in various buildings and sensitivity training when dealing with people with challenges.

“Many buildings didn’t have braille room numbers. Some of the walkways were cracked, which is dangerous for someone in a wheelchair or using a white cane, as well as for everyone,” said Farhat. “The College administration was very receptive to my thoughts and suggestions.”

At HFC, Farhat participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. He made the Dean’s List several times and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. While at HFC, he earned 25 scholarships and awards.

“HFC will always have a special place in my heart,” he said.

More effective in politics than in the classroom

Farhat graduated from HFC in 2016, earning an associate degree in education. He transferred to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 2018. He also completed graduate coursework in public administration and community-based education, both at UM-Dearborn. Originally, Farhat planned to become a special education teacher, but changed his major to political science.

“I saw myself being more effective from the public policy side of things than being in the inside of a classroom,” said Farhat. “Teachers have not been appreciated. If anything, they’ve been taken for granted. Thanks to the pandemic, we know now the extreme importance of their work. I want to advocate on their behalf to give them the proper tools to do their jobs. I saw myself as more effective that way.”

That’s what inspired him to run for the HFC Board of Trustees in 2016 and 2020. In the most recent election, he lost by just 13 votes.

“I ran twice because I wanted to see change that I couldn’t see,” said Farhat. “I wanted to represent a large population – those who have challenges – that wasn’t represented. I know the issues they face. No one can tell their story better than I can.”

Keeping it in perspective

As painful as losing this election was, Farhat has managed to keep it in perspective.

“I lost by 13 votes in a close race against incumbents. It shows that I’m electable,” he said. “I’m in it to win it. I will be inclusive and welcoming. I will fight for transparency and accountability. I will be there to work for the people and to serve the people, not use it as a springboard for my next political venture.”

According to Farhat, there are approximately 1.5 million residents with special needs in the state of Michigan. He encourages them to get involved.

“Science and technology have made things easier but not 100 percent,” said Farhat. “They need to exercise their right to vote. They can’t complain about the outcome if they don’t vote. They also need to get involved because it’s not enough to advocate for issues on behalf of yourself and others. You have to be part of the decision-making process, whether running for office or hosting a podcast. It’s a matter of being visible and vocal. Don’t be in the spotlight just to be in the spotlight: Voice your concerns and make sure they’re heard.”

He continued: “I am not afraid of raising my voice for the sake of empowering everyone. I’ve seen what a difference it can make. We need new blood and fresh faces on the Council who are willing to understand the world we’re currently living in and how to effect change. I have the education and involvement and trust. I have what it takes to take on the tasks and responsibilities of the Dearborn City Council.”