About Sarah’s Oil

“Sarah’s Oil” tells the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in the early 1900s in Oklahoma Indian Territory. As part of government allotments, Sarah received 160 acres of land that was widely considered barren and worthless. However, she maintained an unshakeable belief that oil lay beneath the surface. Her faith was proven right when a major oil discovery made her a millionaire at just eleven years old, making her one of the nation’s first female African-American millionaires.

The film follows not only her rise to wealth but also the challenges she faced as greedy opportunists closed in, trying to take control of her land. The story highlights how, with the help of her family and allies, she fought to maintain control over her destiny.

Hollie Taylor, host of Good Company, had the opportunity to speak with the cast of Sarah’s Oil (Naya Desir Johnson, Kenric Green, and Sonequa Martin-Green) about the significance of the film and the privilege of portraying this true story, and to share insights into their roles.

Watch the full interview here.