Discover the Legacy: Kansas City Honors America's First Black Female Millionaire with Street Renaming

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In a tribute to America’s pioneering Black female millionaire, a Kansas City street will soon bear her name.

On Thursday, the Kansas City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance renaming a section of Euclid Avenue, from 11th to 12th Street, as “Sarah Rector Way,” commemorating the legacy of Sarah Rector.

This newly named street runs adjacent to the historic Rector Mansion, located at 2000 E. 12th Street, which was once her home.

“Sarah Rector’s journey exemplifies resilience, success, and the breaking of barriers,” stated Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley, who introduced the ordinance.

“By dedicating this street in her name, we ensure her legacy remains a visible part of our community. Her remarkable story deserves to be shared and celebrated for generations,” she added.

Back in 2021, a $75,000 capital grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund was given out to help restore the Rector Mansion.

Rector became a millionaire after oil was drilled on her land. It was given as part of the Dawes Allotment Act of 1887. Her land was located in Glenpool, Oklahoma, about 60 miles from her family’s home.

She moved to Kansas City in the 1920s, where she lived until later in life.

Multiple family members of Rector were there to receive the street signs dedicated to her.

“We, the grandchildren of Sarah Rector, are honored by the city’s decision to name a street after our grandmother, Sarah Rector. This recognition affirms her legacy as a creek Freedman and trailblazer, whose story deserves to be seen and remembered,” said Sarah Campbell, granddaughter of Sarah Rector.

“Sarah Rector Way is more than a name, it’s a step toward visibility and truth. We would like to thank everyone who helped make this possible.”

The new street comes a week before the Kansas City premiere of a feature film called “Sarah’s Oil,” debuting on Oct. 29. The movie is about Rector’s life and was directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh.

The new street sign will be installed in the next few days, along a historic marker at the Rector Mansion.

Discover the Legacy: Kansas City Honors America’s First Black Female Millionaire with Street Renaming

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