Larry Malcolm Smith, Jr.
Social Justice Activist &
Foster Youth Advocate, NYC
"I'm standing up for foster youth because no one else does."
IAMQUEENS
Larry Malcom Smith Jr., also known as IAMQUEENS, is an Activist, Organizer, Movement Strategist, Social Justice Leader, and Youth Public Advocate for the Child Welfare System.
IAMQUEENS is also a survivor of the Administration for Children's Services NYC child welfare foster care system, having spent the majority of his life moving between 23 different foster homes where he endured countless physical, psychological, sexual, and emotional abuses.
Today, IAMQUEENS works to advocate for foster kids and youth, so that no other child has to go through this deeply flawed and destructive system.
IAMQUEENS attended his first protest at age 8 and has not stopped since. By sharing his story and helping to mobilize the community, Larry plans to impact tangible change for foster youth and be a voice for this voiceless community.
IAMQUEENS' activist work has been recognized and covered in numerous publications including The New York Times and among many highlights, the march for Black foster youth which he helped to co-organize was attended by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
To bring attention to the harm caused by foster care, so that no child is abused or neglected by a system that should facilitate homes in which children are protected, loved and nurtured.
Larry's Mission
