In 1907, as Oklahoma was becoming a state, the Dawes Allotment Act divided Indigenous land among natives and formerly enslaved Black people. Each member of the Rector family received land, including 10-year-old Sarah Rector, who would soon become the richest Black woman in America.

In May 2020, Jay conversed with author and economic scholar Dr. Boyce Watkins to put Sarah Rector's story in context for the 21st century and reveal its lessons of liberation and freedom.

To learn more about our guest, visit www.boycewatkins.com

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Black History Year (BHY) is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school and explore pathways to liberation with people who are leading the way. You make PushBlack happen with your contributions at BlackHistoryYear.com — most people donate $10 a month, but every dollar makes a difference. If this episode moved you, share it with your people! Thanks for supporting the work. 

Hosting BHY is Jay (2020-2023) and Darren Wallace (2024). The BHY production team includes Jareyah Bradley and Brooke Brown. Our producers are Cydney Smith and Len Webb for PushBlack. BHY’s executive producers are Julian Walker and Lilly Workneh.

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