Midwest Crisis: Bri Full in Omaha
“We need folks to be steadfast and dedicated in the pursuit to make policies and laws in Nebraska/Omaha more fair and equitable for all.”
Bri Full was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. She says she is “in it for the long haul,” as she feels an obligation to give back to the community that helped shape her into the person she is today.
Hannah: What do you do for work/education?
Bri: I work in community organizing and politics. A lot of this work is long-term and doesn’t happen overnight. We need folks to be steadfast and dedicated in the pursuit to make policies and laws in Nebraska/Omaha more fair and equitable for all.
Hannah: Do you know many people who have moved from Nebraska? If so, how has that affected your support system or community?
Bri: Yes, I’d say 40-50% of the people who graduated from my public health program at UNO have moved away. I think we are losing a lot of bright minds to other states (and even countries) because the environment here isn’t as appealing as other places that people could choose to live in for a lot of different reasons. I meet like-minded people mostly through networking with my friends. The art/music community in North Omaha has become a big source of community building for me since I graduated college.
Hannah: You’ve seemed to travel a fair amount this year. Do your travels re-energize you for your work in Nebraska?
Bri: Yes, traveling does re-energize me and helps me bring back innovative ideas to Omaha. I also try to build relationships as much as possible with folks in other communities to build power and collaboration. Sometimes a trip outside of my Omaha bubble can change my perceptions and realize what is truly possible for the people in my community.
Hannah: What makes you want to stay in Nebraska?
Bri: I stay in Omaha because I think there is a lot of potential here. I see a more equitable and fair future for all Omahans, no matter their income level, race, ethnicity, sexuality, etc. However, it’s going to take a lot of work over a long period of time until we see the big changes that are necessary for all Omahans to be successful.
I have considered moving for several different reasons. My dream school is in another state on the East Coast, and if I want to attend, I would have to move for at least 2 years. I wonder if I move away, will I want to come back to Omaha? There are a lot of barriers that I face in Omaha that I don’t think I would experience in other cities such as access to reproductive health services, and lack of representation/networks for people of color in my desired career path (politics). I definitely want to start a family soon, but I get scared that if I have pregnancy complications, I wouldn’t be able to receive the care in Nebraska that I need to protect my life.
Hannah: How do you spend your energy around politics here in Nebraska, or how has that changed?
Bri: I spend my energy serving as an elected official on the Omaha Public School Board and by helping young women of color run for office. It is my passion to get more young women into office because we are severely underrepresented in government. A lot of big decisions that affect us the most are made without our voices being heard. I consider myself very progressive, but try to keep an open mind when working with people who do not think the way I do. However, I am deeply principled and will not waver on my most important issues such as improving educational outcomes for Black/Brown students and increasing economic opportunities for marginalized communities in Omaha.
Hannah: Are you happy staying in Nebraska long-term? What makes Nebraska home for you?
Bri: I doubt I will stay in Nebraska for the rest of my life, but I do expect to stay for the foreseeable future. My entire life is here in Omaha and leaving that would make me sad. I’ve worked hard to make a life for myself that I can be proud of. I love the relationships that I’ve been able to build. The work that I do requires long-term commitment to the community.
You can find Bri Full at @FullOPS on Instagram and on Facebook at Full4OPS.
Midwest Crisis is a new project from Hannah Michelle Bussa. People are leaving the state of Nebraska, but research on the topic is limited. Join Hannah as she interviews individuals with various perspectives on their choices - to move and to stay - each week this spring.
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Do you want to share your story about moving from or deciding to stay in the Midwest? Please email hanmichelleb@gmail.com!