By Sherwyn Williams, Gospel Music Buzz
When I first touched down in Kansas City for the Sarah’s Oil press junket, the city already felt alive with history. There was an unmistakable hum in the air, the sound of expectation, pride, and community gathering around a story more than a century in the making.
This wasn’t just another film junket. It was a reclamation.
The Story That Found Its Moment
Sarah’s Oil, produced by Kingdom Story Company, Wonder Project, and Amazon MGM Studios, tells the extraordinary true story of Sarah Rector, a young Black girl from Oklahoma who became one of America’s first Black female millionaires at just eleven years old. Her faith, perseverance, and courage in the face of greed and racism shaped not only her own destiny but the narrative of possibility for generations after her.
I’d read about Sarah Rector before arriving, but hearing her descendants talk about her on camera gave the story new depth. During my interviews, I spoke with Shawn Edwards, Sarah’s great-nephew, who reflected on what it meant for his family to see her story finally honored on the big screen.
“This is our family’s legacy finally being told,” he said, his voice equal parts pride and relief. “It’s history that’s lived in our hearts for decades.”
On the Red Carpet
The red carpet outside the Kansas City premiere was electric. Journalists, photographers, and local dignitaries lined up as the cast made their way down the step-and-repeat. I spoke first with Sonequa Martin-Green and Kenric Green real-life husband and wife portraying Sarah’s parents, Rose and Joe Rector.
When I asked what they wanted audiences to take away once they watch the film, their answers mirrored the heartbeat of Sarah’s Oil: faith, family, and fortitude.
“This story reminds us that faith still finds another way,” Sonequa shared with her signature calm conviction.
I also caught up with Naya Desir-Johnson, who plays Sarah Rector herself. At just fifteen, her presence is magnetic. When I asked what message she hoped young Black girls would take from the film, she smiled and said:
“That they can do anything — that faith and hard work still matter, no matter who tells you otherwise.”
Every conversation reinforced what the film itself preaches: believing when others doubt, standing firm when systems fail, and trusting that purpose outlives circumstance.
Conversations Behind the Scenes
Between interviews, I spent time with members of the production and marketing teams including folks from Grace Hill Media, who orchestrated the press weekend. We discussed how rare it is for a major studio to champion a story like this: one rooted equally in Black history and unwavering faith. The pride in their voices made it clear this film wasn’t treated like a project; it was treated like a calling.
Walking the Streets of Legacy
Before the premiere, I had the chance to explore parts of Kansas City tied to Sarah Rector’s life. Local historians pointed me toward the 18th and Vine Jazz District, where Sarah and her family once socialized and invested in the cultural scene. Standing there, imagining live jazz spill from an open doorway, it struck me that the same rhythm that carried Sarah through struggle is still echoing through this city.
Seeing the Film
When the lights dimmed and the opening scenes rolled, the theater fell silent not the quiet of indifference, but of reverence. Sarah’s Oil is more than a period drama; it’s a mirror. It reflects how faith, perseverance, and family can defy systems meant to suppress. By the time the credits rolled, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Why It Matters
As someone who covers faith-based and inspirational storytelling, I’ve learned that the best stories are not sermons they’re testimonies. Sarah’s Oil is exactly that. It’s a film that re-centers forgotten history, uplifts community, and reminds us that legacy doesn’t end in silence.
If you’re looking for a film that will stir your heart and challenge your perspective, mark your calendar: Sarah’s Oil opens exclusively in theaters Friday, November 7.
🎥 Watch my exclusive interviews and red carpet coverage:
