We are a group of mothers, grandmothers, aunts and caring
community members committed to providing hope and heling to those impacted by violent crime, while working tirelessly to prevent others from experiencing the tragedy of homicide.
ROSILYN TEMPLE
FOUNDER & PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Rosilyn founded the Kansas City chapter of Mothers in Charge in 2014, after losing her son Antonio PeeWee Thompson, 26 years old, to homicide in 2011. Since then she has dedicated herself to other families experiencing the same trauma. As director of programs, Rosilyn ensures that KC MIC’s programs and services meet the immediate (and evolving) needs of these families. She is on call 24/7 to provide trauma-informed crisis intervention to families at homicide scenes; she also serves as the liaison between family and police, and provides immediate and longer-term support for families in the aftermath of a homicide. She serves as the primary media contact for the organization.
JOhn Ham
Executive Director
John Ham brings three decades of experience in law enforcement intelligence, public affairs, and community partnerships to his role as Executive Director of KC Mothers in Charge. Before joining the organization, he served as the Chief of the National Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), where he oversaw national research, training, and academic partnerships to advance strategies for reducing gun violence.
Earlier in his ATF career, John served as Public Information Officer for the Kansas City Field Division, acting as chief spokesperson and liaison to the media, Congress, law enforcement, and community leaders. He also held leadership positions in public and legislative affairs at ATF headquarters, where he prepared congressional testimony, guided national communications strategy, and advised executive leadership on policy and outreach.
Throughout his career, John has been dedicated to bridging law enforcement, policymakers, and communities most affected by violence. At KC Mothers in Charge, he is committed to strengthening trauma-informed services for families of homicide victims and building a safer, more compassionate Kansas City.
Latrice Murray-WATTs Volunteer & OUtreach coordinator
Latrice became involved with KC MIC after losing her son Darreon to homicide in 2009, first as a volunteer core mother and then as Outreach Specialist. She provides support to survivors of homicide and shooting victims and leads community outreach and education efforts. Latrice provides support and information for families about our programs and services, and assists with scheduling speakers, and organizing and managing monthly and quarterly Hope & Healing Support Group meetings (for family members and loved ones of homicide victims).
CORE MOTHERS
Core Mothers are women who have courageously chosen to join the movement against violence after losing a loved one to violence. Since 2014, 25 Core Mothers have joined KC Mothers in Charge with tenures of 3 months to more than 3 years. Core Mothers help lead our outreach efforts including neighborhood canvassing and leading vigils. Core Mothers also actively participate in prisons outreach, schools and church speaking engagements, and attend community events.