Subnavigation

back to all projects
Donate to Omaha Central
Donate to this project
omahacentral_still
    Omaha Central
    ABOUT THE PROJECT

    LOGLINE
    In 1968, Omaha Central High School basketball made history with its first all-Black starting lineup. Dubbed “The Rhythm Boys” by a sportswriter at The Omaha World-Herald, the team was destined for a state championship. But, something happened on their way to glory.

    SYNOPSIS
    As America fractured under the weight of racial unrest, war, and political division, a high school basketball team in Omaha, Nebraska, became an unexpected symbol of unity and change. Led by star center Dwaine Dillard, their electrifying play and unbreakable chemistry captivated the city.

    But their journey unfolded against a backdrop of rising racial tension—sparked in Omaha by the visit of segregationist presidential candidate George Wallace and the inner-city riot he ignited.

    The film follows the team’s pursuit of a state championship while navigating the pressures of growing up in a divided America. Through powerful interviews, archival footage, and cinematic recreations, OMAHA CENTRAL explores how sports can shape identity, guide passage from youth to adulthood, and connect individuals across barriers of race, class, and history.

    The story also reveals a quiet and unexpected alliance between Omaha’s Black and Jewish communities, whose shared experience of generational persecution bonded them through struggle, friendship, and forbidden romance. The film mirrors the very challenges facing our world today.

    The Rhythm Boys of OMAHA CENTRAL is one of the greatest sports stories never told. Sons of Omaha’s inner city, their game, talent and courage personified their generation: exuberant, hopeful and rebellious.

    Producer/Director Shawna Brakefield-Haase is a two-time Sports Emmy Award® winner and three-time Emmy Award® nominated documentary filmmaker.

    PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature

    DIRECTOR Shawna Brakefield-Haase
    PRODUCER Shawna Brakefield-Haase
    EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Mark Trustin

    Donate to Omaha Central

    🎬 Support independent film through The Film Collaborative

    The Film Collaborative (TFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting independent filmmakers.

    Federal Tax ID: 32-0295081

    Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

    💳 Ways to Give
    • Online:
      Click the Donate button above. You can:
      • Use your PayPal account, or
      • Check out as a guest with your debit/credit card — no PayPal account required.
    • ACH or Wire
      Email us for instructions.
    • Check
      Checks are accepted, but for time and security reasons, electronic donations are preferred when possible.
      Check donation instructions are here.
    • Stock
      Donating appreciated stock can increase your impact by up to 20%.
      Learn more about advantages of stock donations here.
      Email us for instructions.
    • Donor-Advised Funds (DAF):
      Instructions for donating from a DAF are here.
    📈 Maximize Your Gift
    • Many employers offer matching gifts, doubling or even tripling your donation. Some match contributions up to a year after they’re made.
    • When donating via PayPal, consider covering the small processing fee to make the most of your gift toward the project.
    📄 Tax Receipts
    • In compliance with IRS rules, tax receipts are issued for the amount TFC receives after payment processor fees are deducted.
    • PDF tax receipts are emailed within 30 days of your online donation.
    • The “receipt” immediately sent by PayPal is only a payment confirmation — it is not your tax receipt.
    📅 Important Year-End Giving Dates for 2025
    • Dec 19: Most large gifts are decided by the Friday before the holidays.
    • Dec 31, 4:59 PM PT: Cutoff for wire, ACH, and Zelle gifts to be received in TFC’s account.
    • Dec 31: Postmark deadline for check donations.
    • Dec 31, 11:59 PM PT: Cutoff for online credit/debit gifts.

    Thank you for helping bring powerful independent films to life.

    ID: 767