BLAIR, Neb. — Tucked away on a hillside in Blair, the Dana College campus sat vacant for the better part of 15 years. But in recent years the property has gained new life through the work of a local nonprofit.

When playwright Beaufield Berry recently needed actors in New York City for a reading of her musical about Black cowgirls, the Omaha native did what most people would do: She put out a call online.

Among those who auditioned: two fellow Omahans. At the reading, Berry noticed even more faces from back home in the crowd.

Kurt Earl’s words are strong and urgent as Lincoln Christian’s football team finishes practice on a warm Saturday morning in August.

“Run to me, take a knee,” he shouts. “Run to me, take a knee.”