Gratitude Focus: I’m grateful for the chance to witness A Portrait of a Postman at the African American Film Festival

Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

The film tells the astonishing true story of Kermit Oliver, a reclusive genius who worked the graveyard shift at a Texas post office while creating masterful paintings now housed in the Smithsonian, and designing million-dollar scarves for Hermès.

(Honestly, I had never heard of Hermès, maybe because I’m wired to invest in things that appreciate, but I can certainly appreciate the wearable art Kermit created. Did you catch that?)

This wasn’t just a story about art. It was about faith, integrity, and the kind of legacy built without chasing the spotlight. During the Q&A, I asked director @ChrisCharlesScott about the economics behind the film, because as underrepresented stories, especially those from Black creators, are finally being seen, we still must ask:

Who holds the pen?
Who owns the rights?
Who benefits when the story takes off?

It reminded me that we have to evolve from just doing a thing to also owning something. Whether it’s your full-time focus or your side hustle, one must be placing you on a path to ownership, even if it’s a small stake. Own a part of your gift. Some of the most powerful cultural voices have been whispering all along. It’s time we listen—and invest according to our risk tolerance.

 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” —Psalm 24:1 

What part of your gift are you building ownership in right now?

Question for Reflection

 

Hi, I’m Orvin Kimbrough, volunteer, board director, chairman, and CEO. I help professionals move from feeling stuck to being strengthened by reshaping how they think, lead, and live. My work focuses on confidence, leadership, and influence through mindset shifts, expanded networks, and bold, values-aligned action. My perspective is rooted in lived experience, from growing up in foster care to leading complex institutions as a CEO and shaped by faith, resilience, and a deep belief in human potential.

Rectangle 19461

Books for Every Stage

Twice Over a Man

A memoir often described as a leadership guide wrapped in an honest, relatable story of perseverance, healing, and growth. It explores how pain can be reframed into purpose and how ordinary people build meaningful lives through courage and clarity.

More Than a Conqueror

Written for teens and young adults, this book encourages confidence, resilience, and identity formation during the years when self-belief is being shaped.

Ward and the State

A children’s book that gently introduces big ideas like belonging, courage, and hope, helping young readers see themselves as more than their circumstances

INTRODUCING: The Thriver’s Path™

This blog is part of The Thriver’s Path™ — a growing ecosystem of writing, courses, reflections, and community designed to help people of all ages reframe their thinking, reclaim their agency, and take their next meaningful move.

→ Ready for your next move?

Explore more writings, resources, and ways to engage at orvinkimbrough.com, or join the conversation inside the Thrivers Club™ community.

Enjoyed this post?

Stay connected and continue the journey with insights on leadership, growth, resilience, and intentional living delivered straight to your inbox.

Typing+Blog+Still

Subscribe to the Leadership Insights Newsletter and receive:

Subscribe
  • Thought-provoking reflections and leadership perspectives
  • Practical strategies for personal and professional growth
  • Monthly insights and inspiration
  • Early announcements and updates from The Thrivers Path™
Tags: Gratitude