This past weekend, I sat down to watch a film on Prime Video that deeply stirred my spirit. Entitled Sarah’s Oil, this moving production is based on the incredible true story of Sarah Rector — a name we should all hold in high esteem. Historically known as Sarah Rector Campbell Crawford, she was a young girl who became one of our nation’s first Black female millionaires, teaching us a profound lesson on how God can turn “worthless” situations into overflowing blessings.
Sarah’s journey began not with a silver spoon, but with a legal birthright rooted in a complex history. As a descendant of African people formerly enslaved by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Sarah was listed as a “Freedman” on the Dawes Rolls. This status entitled her to an allotment of 160 acres of land in Oklahoma.
However, the world’s intentions were not always kind. Under the Dawes Allotment Act, the government intentionally assigned Freedmen the least valuable parcels. Sarah’s specific plot in Glenpool was considered “barren,” rocky, and utterly unsuitable for farming. It was seen as such a burden that her father actually petitioned to sell the land to avoid the $30 annual property tax. That petition was denied — a moment we can now see as divine intervention.
What man rejected, God protected. In 1913, the “worthless” land yielded a miracle: oil.
Overnight, the young girl once overlooked by society became “The Richest Black Girl in America.” Set against the harsh backdrop of the Jim Crow era and the Oklahoma oil boom, Sarah’s Oil captures her navigation through sudden wealth and the systemic discrimination that sought to control it.
Her story is a powerful testament to faith and resilience. It reminds us of the scripture in Psalm 118:22 KJV: “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” Sarah Rector took the “barren” ground she was given and, through a providential turn of events, showed the world that our value is determined by the Creator, not by the quality of the soil we are standing on.
If you are looking for an educational film that reinforces the power of perseverance and the truth that God has a plan for your inheritance, I highly recommend Sarah’s Oil. It is more than a history lesson; it is a reminder that even when the world hands you dust, the Lord can find gold. For those seeking to learn more about this remarkable story, several books delve into the history of Sarah Rector and the complex history of the Creek Freedmen in Oklahoma, separating fact from fiction using primary documents.
Below are some resources:
Delving Into Her Story
Several detailed books rely on historical records to piece together Sarah Rector’s journey from a young girl in Indian Territory to a wealthy young woman.
• Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America by Tonya Bolden is a meticulously researched, award-winning book that traces her life using archival illustrations, maps and legal documents. It is also the inspiration for an upcoming movie.
• Sarah’s Oil True Story: The Remarkable Journey of Sarah Rector (multiple editions by various authors) details her unexpected fortune and triumph over the systemic odds she faced.
• A Name Worth Millions: The Story of Sarah Rector and Her Family by Karen Carter Riffle was created in partnership with her nieces, offering authentic family insights.
Visiting History
Physical locations provide powerful historical context and specific exhibits on Sarah Rector and the history of African Americans in the region.
• Rector Mansion (Kansas City, Missouri): Sarah Rector’s former home in Kansas City still stands as a historical landmark and is part of the African American Heritage Trail of Kansas City. A local group, United Inner City Services, is exploring options to preserve and restore it.
• Oklahoma Indian Territory Museum of Black Creek Freedmen History (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma): This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Creek Freedmen and their descendants, and has hosted events and exhibits related to Sarah Rector.
• Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) (Washington, D.C.): While a permanent exhibit specifically on Sarah Rector is not mentioned, the NMAAHC has shared historical information and posts about her story online, recognizing her place in American history.
• The Museum of Kansas City has also featured programs related to her history.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.