F. DeKarlos Blackmon serves as the secretariat director for Life, Charity and Justice in the Diocese of Austin. In this capacity, he oversees Life, Marriage and Family; Social Concerns; Black Catholics; Hispanic Ministry; Restorative Justice; Missions and Discipleship; and Advocacy.
Blackmon explains that the Secretariat of Life, Charity and Justice has the responsibility to make known that every human life has value and worth. He encourages all Catholics to commit to defending human life at every age and every stage from conception to natural death. The eradication of racism, human trafficking and capital punishment are major elements of the secretariat.
“I hold paramount the responsibility to bring faith into the public square,” Blackmon said. “Additionally, some of the most fruitful experiences in my ministry have centered around supporting, encouraging and caring for those who minister.”
This month Blackmon and Bishop Joe Vásquez collaborated to write a letter to the faithful about racism (see Page 19). Blackmon has assisted bishops and priests across the U.S. as they discuss the sin of racism with their dioceses and parishes.
Blackmon joined the diocesan staff in 2015 after having served in the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama. He also served as the Supreme Knight, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of the Knights of Peter Claver, as well as president of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights. He has also served as a consultant to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
He earned master’s degrees in public management and in pastoral ministries, and he is a doctoral candidate in educational leadership. He is a Benedictine Oblate, a lay person who seeks to live a life in harmony with the spirit of Saint Benedict. Blackmon and his wife, Kanobia, are parishioners of Holy Cross Parish in Austin. (Photo by Shelley Metcalf)