INTERVIEW: The Cast of ‘Sarah’s Oil’ on the Real Life Story of an 11-Year Old Entrepreneur

Black Girl Nerds sat down with the cast of Sarah’s Oil Sonequa Martin-Green, Mel Rodriguez, and Kenric Green to discuss one of the most inspiring yet little-known stories in American history. The film centers on Sarah Rector, a young African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, whose life takes a remarkable turn after discovering oil on her land.

Directed with heart and historical precision, Sarah’s Oil tells the true story of how a child’s faith in her own potential defied racial and societal barriers. At just eleven years old, Sarah became one of the nation’s first Black female millionaires, a feat that drew both admiration and exploitation in equal measure. The film captures her courage in the face of greed and the importance of community in protecting what’s rightfully hers.

During the interviews, Sonequa Martin-Green spoke passionately about portraying the resilience and grace embedded in Sarah’s story, emphasizing the film’s message of self-determination. Mel Rodriguez discussed the moral complexities surrounding the adults in Sarah’s orbit, while Kenric Green reflected on the balance between protecting innocence and navigating injustice.

With powerful performances and a narrative grounded in historical truth, Sarah’s Oil not only reclaims a significant chapter of Black history but also offers a mirror to modern audiences about wealth, identity, and agency.

Produced with care and intention, the film is both a celebration and a reminder of how brilliance can emerge from the most unexpected places.

Interview by Jamie Broadnax
Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax

Sarah’s Oil releases in theaters November 7th