Searching for Sarah Rector: The Extraordinary Life of the Richest Black Girl in America

In the annals of American history, the name Sarah Rector stands as a testament to the extraordinary power of resilience, determination, and the enduring human spirit. As the richest black girl in America in the early 1900s, her story is a captivating tale of wealth, adversity, and the indomitable spirit of a young woman who overcame incredible challenges to achieve her dreams.

Early Life and Discovery of Oil

Sarah Rector was born into poverty in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in 1902. Her father was a white man and her mother was a black woman, making her a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. At the age of five, Sarah's life took an extraordinary turn when oil was discovered on land that her family owned.

Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America

by Tonya Bolden

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30396 KB
Print length	:	80 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The discovery of oil on the Rector land transformed their lives overnight. The royalties from the oil wells made Sarah an instant millionaire, and she became the richest black girl in America. At the time, her wealth was estimated to be over $1 million, a staggering sum for any child, let alone an African American child in the early 20th century.

Guardianship and Education

With her newfound wealth came the need for guardians to manage Sarah's affairs. The courts appointed her white grandfather, Joseph Rector, and his wife, Harriet, as her legal guardians. They enrolled Sarah in prestigious boarding schools, where she received an excellent education. Sarah excelled in her studies and developed a love of learning.

However, Sarah's wealth and privileged upbringing also made her a target for unscrupulous individuals. Lawyers, businessmen, and even her own family members attempted to exploit her fortune. Despite these challenges, Sarah remained steadfast and determined to protect her inheritance.

Marriage and Personal Life

In 1917, at the age of 15, Sarah married Kenneth Campbell, a fellow student at Bacone College. The marriage was brief and unhappy, and the couple divorced a few years later. Sarah never remarried and dedicated her life to her family and philanthropy.

Sarah had two children, James Rector Campbell and Maxine Rector Campbell. She raised her children in a loving and supportive environment, instilling in them the values of hard work, education, and giving back to the community.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Throughout her life, Sarah Rector was known for her generosity and compassion. She donated large sums of money to various charities and organizations, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages. She also established a scholarship fund to help Native American students attend college.

Sarah Rector's legacy extends far beyond her wealth and philanthropy. She is remembered as a pioneer for African Americans and women, proving that success and achievement were possible despite the challenges they faced. Her story continues to inspire generations of people, reminding us that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and a belief in oneself.

Rediscovering Sarah Rector's Story

For decades, Sarah Rector's story was largely forgotten. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in her life and legacy. In 2017, journalist Zora Neale Hurston published a biography of Sarah Rector, titled "Searching for Sarah Rector."

Hurston's book sheds new light on Sarah's life and her significance in American history. It explores the challenges Sarah faced as a wealthy black girl in a racist society, her determination to protect her inheritance, and her lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

Sarah Rector's life is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and achieve great things. As the richest black girl in America in the early 1900s, she faced countless challenges but never lost sight of her dreams. She used her wealth to make a difference in the world, supporting education, healthcare, and the well-being of her community.

Sarah Rector's story is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with determination, resilience, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.

Searching for Sarah Rector: The Richest Black Girl in America

by Tonya Bolden

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30396 KB
Print length	:	80 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE