One of America’s first Black millionaires wasn’t a social media sensation or celebrity. Sarah Rector was a faith-driven, intelligent, and resilient young girl — a descendant of formerly enslaved people whose determination and spiritual insight transformed her life and legacy.
Born in 1902 in Oklahoma’s Indian Territory, Sarah Rector became known in her community of Taft by 1913 for her sharp business sense and unwavering faith.
A Child with Vision Beyond Her Years
At just 11 years old, Sarah Rector was far ahead of her time in both wisdom and business acumen. She inherited 160 acres of land, considered poor for farming, yet she felt something deeper calling from beneath the soil.
She often lay on the ground, ear pressed to the earth, listening and praying — a practice many now call “grounding.” Believing that God spoke through nature, she trusted that her inheritance had divine purpose.
Educated in a free school for Black and Native children, Sarah learned to read, understand contracts, and calculate land values — knowledge that would later protect her from exploitation.
Striking Oil and Facing Injustice
Sarah and her father spent months knocking on doors in the segregated downtown area, seeking partnerships with oil prospectors. Initially dismissed because of their race and age, they persisted until an independent wildcatter, B.B. Jones, agreed to drill.
In 1913, Jones struck oil — and Sarah’s land became one of the richest in the region. Overnight, she was sitting on a fortune worth millions.
But with wealth came danger. Oil companies and opportunists tried to cheat or control the Rector family. Legal challenges ensued, drawing the attention of W.E.B. Du Bois, the NAACP, and the Black press. A white oilman, T.J. Porter, ultimately became a trusted guardian and business partner.
By 1914, after intense legal battles, Sarah retained full ownership of her land and signed a lucrative deal with John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company, becoming the youngest Black millionaire in American history.
From History to Hollywood: ‘Sarah’s Oil’ Brings Her Story to Life
Sarah Rector’s remarkable journey is now being retold on screen in the upcoming film Sarah’s Oil, inspired by Tonya Bolden’s book Searching for Sarah Rector.
Produced by Amazon’s MGM Studios, Wonder Project, and Kingdom Story Company, the film is co-executive-produced by Ciara, Russell Wilson, Tony Young, Katelyn Botsch, Robert Scott Fort, and Sherry Kang.
Written and directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh (with Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh), the project worked closely with the Rector family and historians to honor Sarah’s true spirit. The cast includes Zachary Levi, Sonequa Martin-Green, Garret Dillahunt, Bridget Regan, and Naya Desir-Johnson as young Sarah Rector.
Historian Diane Euston praised the film, saying:
“This story is about not giving up — when someone says no, you find someone who’ll say yes. Sarah did not accept ‘no’ in her life. She always found a way.”
Faith, Courage, and Empowerment: The Cast Speaks
At the New York City premiere, the cast and producers shared how Sarah’s story continues to inspire themes of faith, family, and resilience.
Naya Desir-Johnson (Sarah Rector):
“It was her bravery. When she knew something was wrong, she stood up to make it right. I want Black girls all over America to feel empowered and know they can do anything.”
Ciara (Co-Executive Producer):
“Sarah’s story is full of faith and love — and it needs to be told. There’s a Sarah in me. Stories like hers remind us that with faith, anything is possible.”
Russell Wilson:
“Sarah had ridiculous, unwavering faith. That’s the same faith we want our children to have. This story shows what belief and perseverance can create.”
Business Wisdom from Sarah Rector’s Legacy
Bevy Smith on Tenacity:
“Watching Sarah’s Oil taught me not to let anyone dictate how you run your business. If an 11-year-old Black girl in 1913 could have such agency, what excuse do I have?”
She added that authenticity is key:
“You can’t be authentic until you truly know who you are. The best way to win in life is to be yourself.”
Ciara’s Business Advice for Women:
“Have confidence in what you believe in. Don’t limit yourself by gender or race. When you walk into a room, stand tall, speak with conviction, and be clear about your vision.”
Faith, Family, and Shared Success
Ciara and Russell Wilson’s partnership in life and business exemplifies the power of unity. Through Why Not You Productions and the Why Not You Foundation, they tell stories of faith and empowerment.
“We’re better together,” Russell said. “When you do life and business together, it multiplies. That’s living in the overflow of love and purpose.”
Ciara added:
“It’s a blessing to do what we love together. We’ll always look back on this movie premiere as one of our proudest memories.”
Finding the ‘Oil’ Within
When asked what their “oil” represents, each shared a personal reflection:
- Bevy Smith: “My oil is me. My brand is built on communication and connection.”
- Ciara: “The holy oil!”
- Russell Wilson: “God — He brings everything else. And Ciara is my black gold.”
A Story of Faith That Still Flows Today
Sarah’s Oil is more than a historical biopic — it’s a celebration of resilience, faith, and self-determination. Sarah Rector’s life reminds us that purpose often lies buried beneath hardship, waiting to be discovered by those with the courage to dig deep.
“She found a way,” historian Diane Euston said — and generations later, her oil still flows.
FAQs
Who was Sarah Rector?
Sarah Rector was an Oklahoma-born entrepreneur who became one of America’s first Black millionaires at just 11 years old after oil was discovered on her land in 1913.
What is the movie ‘Sarah’s Oil’ about?
‘Sarah’s Oil’ tells the true story of Sarah Rector’s journey from poverty to wealth, her faith, and her fight against racial and legal injustice in early 20th-century America.
Who is producing ‘Sarah’s Oil’?
The film is produced by Amazon’s MGM Studios, Wonder Project, and Kingdom Story Company, with Ciara and Russell Wilson as co-executive producers.
Who plays Sarah Rector in the film?
Young actress Naya Desir-Johnson stars as Sarah Rector in the upcoming movie ‘Sarah’s Oil’.
What is the message behind Sarah Rector’s story?
Sarah’s life embodies faith, courage, and perseverance — showing that determination and belief can turn hardship into destiny.
