( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) An Inspiring Night Honors The Powerful True Story Of Sarah Rector On Screen
Photo Credit: Valerie Terranova/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios
New York City glowed with inspiration at the premiere of Sarah’s Oil, the new Amazon MGM Studios film that tells the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector — a young Black girl whose faith and persistence transformed her from an Oklahoma sharecropper’s daughter to America’s first Black female millionaire.
Hosted by media maven Bevy Smith, the post-screening conversation featured executive producers Ciara and Russell Wilson, alongside rising actress Naya Desir-Johnson, who brings Sarah Rector’s story to the screen with grace, strength, and spirit.
Bevy Smith opened the conversation by asking the trio how Sarah Rector’s story personally resonated with them. For Russell Wilson, the film’s depiction of fatherhood during segregation hit close to home. “Seeing a father protect his outspoken daughter reminded me of how vital it is to stand up for your family,” he shared. “Faith was the foundation of this story. Sometimes, we have to put our ear to the ground and trust God, even when it doesn’t make sense. That’s what Sarah did.”
He went on to reflect on his own role as a father to daughters Sienna and Win, expressing how stories like Sarah’s empower future generations. “We have to keep telling these stories so our kids know their ‘why,’ and understand their strength.”
Ciara, who related deeply to the mother’s role in the film, spoke about Sarah’s Oil as a story of unshakable resilience and divine conviction.
“This film reflects the strength and grace of women who dream, even when life tells them not to,” she said. “Sarah’s story is a spiritual one — her courage and faith remind us that when you believe, no obstacle can stop you. She stood firm in her purpose at just eleven years old. That’s nothing short of God’s work.”
Ciara also emphasized how the film transcends its historical setting: “It’s about faith, family, and perseverance — values we all need to be reminded of right now.”
The young star, Naya Desir-Johnson, delivered both a stunning on-screen performance and an insightful message during the Q&A. She shared that she and her mother researched Sarah Rector’s life in depth, visiting churches and speaking with community members connected to her legacy.
“What really helped me understand Sarah,” Naya explained, “was being in the same spaces she lived in, learning about the Trail of Tears, and talking to her family. It grounded me in her world.”
When asked what part of Sarah resonated most, she responded thoughtfully:
“Her bravery, her faith, and her love for her community. Sarah’s story teaches us that when we fall, we can get back up — stronger and together.”
On the carpet, Naya spoke directly to young girls who will see the film:
“Little Black girls across America need to know that we care about them, respect them, and want to hear them. Sarah’s story shows that we belong in spaces of greatness and leadership. I hope this movie inspires others to believe in their own power.”
Sarah’s Oil is not just a historical retelling — it’s a mirror reflecting the strength, faith, and determination that still define generations today. The film, featuring performances by Zachary Levi, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Naya Desir-Johnson, captures the triumph of belief over adversity, community over isolation, and purpose over fear.
As Ciara beautifully summarized during the conversation:
“Sarah was supposed to be who she was. Her story reminds us that God’s work cuts through any noise — He makes the impossible, possible.”
“Sarah’s Oil” is now playing in theaters nationwide. Follow the conversation online at @SarahsOilFilm and join ENSPIRE Magazine in celebrating stories that uplift, inspire, and remind us of the power of faith.
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