Dr. Sherilyn Duckworth: A. Rose Black History Month Community Spotlight

A.Rose NFP
Feb 28
2 min read

We present our final highlight for the 2026 A. Rose NFP Black History Month Community Spotlight Campaign, Sherilyn Duckworth, PhD, MPH!

Dr. Sherilyn Duckworth was selected as a nominee for the A. Rose Black History Month Community Spotlight Campaign in recognition of her impactful leadership in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. In 2018, she established the nonprofit organization A Friend of Mind to increase awareness of mental wellness and suicide prevention among vulnerable adolescents and their families.

Through A Friend of Mind, Dr. Duckworth has focused her efforts on expanding access to culturally relevant suicide prevention initiatives, particularly within the African American community. Her professional background includes extensive experience in behavioral health management and public health policy, which has strengthened her ability to lead meaningful, community-centered work. Among her many professional achievements, she considers founding and guiding A Friend of Mind as her most significant accomplishment.

Serving as Founder, Dr. Duckworth advances mental health awareness by sharing her lived experience and developing programs designed to meet the specific needs of the communities she serves. Her contributions have earned her multiple honors, including the 2021 Rising Star Award from the University of Alabama at Birmingham National Alumni Society, the 2020 Community Impact Award from University of Alabama at Birmingham Student Leadership, and recognition as a 2020 Women Who Shape the State (AL) Honoree.

As a suicide attempt survivor, Dr. Duckworth channels her personal journey into purposeful advocacy—transforming her experiences into support, encouragement, and hope for at-risk adolescents, a mission she finds deeply fulfilling beyond her professional responsibilities.

Read more about Dr. Duckworth's community impact below.